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Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery #3
A Lethal Arrogance
After returning home from her service as a United States Army Signal Corps operator in the Great War, Arabella Stewart’s goal, to save her family’s resort, seems within reach as the summer season progresses. She and her business partner, Mac MacLendon, look forward to re-establishing a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. Problems arise when one of the contestants, an overbearing snob who has created problems at other competitions, clashes with more than one person. When he is found dead, the victim of a suspicious automobile crash, Bella once again helps Jax Hastings, the town constable and her childhood friend, investigate. As they pursue answers, Bella and Jax find several suspects who might have wanted to make the victim suffer for his lethal arrogance.
ebook
Published September 20, 2021
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32 people want to read
About the author
D.S. Lang
26 books104 followersIf you like historical mysteries and intrepid female sleuths in a small town America setting, try my books! My heroines are dedicated to bringing the bad guys and gals to justice, and they have a team of colorful characters who support them in their efforts.
My Arabella Stewart series takes place soon after the Great War. Bella, who served an Army Signal Corps operator, returns to find her hometown and family resort in dire straits. Almost immediately, she is thrust into a murder investigation. Constable Jax Hastings reluctantly accepts her help.
The pair, who were childhood friends, partner in a series of investigations, while also working past barriers put in place during the war.
My Doro Banyon series is also set in an American small town in 1920s, but on a college campus. Doro is a librarian who, along with her best friends, finds herself immersed in a series of mysteries. It has a cozier feel than the Bella series.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 17, 2021
This is an excellent story with a solid story line. One you will enjoy.The story takes place shortly after WWI The Great War. Arabella Stewart served as a United States Army Signal Corps operator. Now she just wants to return home and save her family’s resort. She and her partner are trying to reestablish forward to a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. Problems arise when one of the contestants, a rude and difficult individual was killed in a suspicious automobile crash. Bella pitches in and helps the town constable investigate and they find several suspects who had reason to want this man dead. Now I cant’t share any more or I will ruin the story for you. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation
September 22, 2021
This was a very interesting read, it is set after the Great War and features the main character of Bella Stewart , the way the author describes the character and the setting definitely matches the era she is writing about .
Now this is sort of a detective book ... and Bella and her friend Jax are trying to uncover a death and find out whodunit. There is a really sweet relationship between the two characters , they have both being through so much in their life.
Overall a good read , with good characters . The only reason I gave it a 4 is because I felt like the ending was kind of cut short and was abrupt
Now this is sort of a detective book ... and Bella and her friend Jax are trying to uncover a death and find out whodunit. There is a really sweet relationship between the two characters , they have both being through so much in their life.
Overall a good read , with good characters . The only reason I gave it a 4 is because I felt like the ending was kind of cut short and was abrupt
September 7, 2021
This is a great 1920s read. Love Bella and Jax and their interesting relationship. The unspoken/awkwardness between them is both sweet and frustrating. Definitely has to be more to come there.
The crime itself is an intriguing one and there are so many characters that there is no way of guessing what might have happened. I like Bella gets herself in on the action by being a notetaker.
Some really great characters and like how this shapes up.
The crime itself is an intriguing one and there are so many characters that there is no way of guessing what might have happened. I like Bella gets herself in on the action by being a notetaker.
Some really great characters and like how this shapes up.
September 15, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
A 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 book! I love this authors style of writing!
A 1920's Historical murder mystery.
It's a well thought out, solid story! An excellent clean read!
Great, well developed characters! They drew you in making it a great page turner!
I enjoyed it's steady pace so the reader never wants to put it down! Wonderful! Read and enjoy!
A 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 book! I love this authors style of writing!
A 1920's Historical murder mystery.
It's a well thought out, solid story! An excellent clean read!
Great, well developed characters! They drew you in making it a great page turner!
I enjoyed it's steady pace so the reader never wants to put it down! Wonderful! Read and enjoy!
September 21, 2021
D. S. Lang knows twenty- first century history and because of that writes a very good mystery of the time. The rebuilding of the economy after what has been called the Great War and the Spanish flue with the US bringing in the years of prohibition it was a trying time for all. Lang brings it all back to life with vibrant characters, intrigue and a good old fashioned mystery. Oops and a possible struggling budding romance. All and all very entertaining.
September 21, 2021
I’m enjoying the series.
Bella and Jax investigate the car crash death of a bad-tempered, bad-loser golfer after he left the Ballantyne Golf Course. There’s a good selection of suspects including caddies, golf-partner, girlfriend and more.
The motives keep you guessing. The investigation is plain, old interviewing - there’s not much option in 1920.
Read it.
Bella and Jax investigate the car crash death of a bad-tempered, bad-loser golfer after he left the Ballantyne Golf Course. There’s a good selection of suspects including caddies, golf-partner, girlfriend and more.
The motives keep you guessing. The investigation is plain, old interviewing - there’s not much option in 1920.
Read it.
January 19, 2023
Good book
I like that the stories are varied and not
follow the exact same pattern each time. I look forward to the next book
I like that the stories are varied and not
follow the exact same pattern each time. I look forward to the next book
October 17, 2021
'A Lethal Arrogance' by D.S.Lang is the third book in the Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series. I haven't read any of the other books and found this easily read as a standalone.
Set shortly after the First World War, in the 1920's. Arabella (Bella) Stewart has done her duty as a United States Army Signal Corps operator and returns to save her family’s resort and this goal seems within reach as the summer unfolds.She and her business partner, Mac MacLendon, look forward to re-establishing a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. Problems arise when one of the contestants, an overbearing snob who has created problems at other competitions, clashes with more than one person. When he is found dead, the victim of a suspicious automobile crash, Bella once again helps Jax Hastings, the town constable and her childhood friend, investigate. As they pursue answers, Bella and Jax find several suspects who might have wanted to make the victim suffer for his lethal arrogance.
'A Lethal Arrogance' successfully transported me back to the twenties and I like Bella, with her war service behind her and her goal of saving the family resort, she is a strong character and determined to succeed in what she does. Learning about her role in the war makes for interesting reading and I loved how she was so quick to help solving the mystery as well. Jax is a man who we see struggling with getting back to normal life after the war with his injuries as well. I thought Jax another great character who I warmed to.
The relationship between Bella and Jax, is an interesting one. The awkwardness between them is rather sweet, but at one point I just wanted to shake them both. I do think that it is a case of watch this space with these two. D S Langs characters are all great and she has developed them well, making them relatable and real.
The mystery is an intriguing one with plenty of suspects for the crime. This did make it harder to attempt to work out 'Who Dunnit'. A book that I enjoyed with the blend of history and mystery keeping me entertained and characters that I could root for.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and D.S Lang for the copy of the book.
Set shortly after the First World War, in the 1920's. Arabella (Bella) Stewart has done her duty as a United States Army Signal Corps operator and returns to save her family’s resort and this goal seems within reach as the summer unfolds.She and her business partner, Mac MacLendon, look forward to re-establishing a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. Problems arise when one of the contestants, an overbearing snob who has created problems at other competitions, clashes with more than one person. When he is found dead, the victim of a suspicious automobile crash, Bella once again helps Jax Hastings, the town constable and her childhood friend, investigate. As they pursue answers, Bella and Jax find several suspects who might have wanted to make the victim suffer for his lethal arrogance.
'A Lethal Arrogance' successfully transported me back to the twenties and I like Bella, with her war service behind her and her goal of saving the family resort, she is a strong character and determined to succeed in what she does. Learning about her role in the war makes for interesting reading and I loved how she was so quick to help solving the mystery as well. Jax is a man who we see struggling with getting back to normal life after the war with his injuries as well. I thought Jax another great character who I warmed to.
The relationship between Bella and Jax, is an interesting one. The awkwardness between them is rather sweet, but at one point I just wanted to shake them both. I do think that it is a case of watch this space with these two. D S Langs characters are all great and she has developed them well, making them relatable and real.
The mystery is an intriguing one with plenty of suspects for the crime. This did make it harder to attempt to work out 'Who Dunnit'. A book that I enjoyed with the blend of history and mystery keeping me entertained and characters that I could root for.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and D.S Lang for the copy of the book.
October 6, 2021
Bella hopes that a golf tournament will turnaround the fate of her family's resort; but when one of the players is murdered, she has to kelp resolve it quickly.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Arabella Stewart series, but each book is a seperate mystery, and I felt at no disadvantage not having read the rest of the series first.
Bella is trying to return her family's resort to its pre-war glory. Not only for her own success, but to return the tourist trade to the town. She hopes that holding a golf tournament will help get things back on track.
Jax, the town constable, and the best friend of Bella's late brother, is brought in when golfer and all-round git, Cecil Lahey, is killed when his car goes down a ravine.
There's no shortage of people that would be happy to see Cecil dead, but Jax has to work out if anyone would have run him off the road.
The book casts an interesting light on what it was like for people, trying to recover after the war, on a personal and professional level.
Everyone was affected in different ways, and they all carried their own scars and secrets, most wanting to put those dark years behind them.
Unfortunately, this story wasn't for me.
There was no sense of intrigue building. We are told everything. Both the narrative and dialogue of the characters felt like a bunch of statements, and I got the feeling of being talked at and lectured, rather than being able to enjoy a story.
For similar reasons, I felt no connection with any of the characters. Despite being told how different everyone was, they all came across very samey.
The blunt narrative made it impossible to feel any friendship, or growing relationship.
We are constantly told that Bella and Jax are a thing. Nothing official, but inevitable. I felt no more emotion between them, than Bella and any other character.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Arabella Stewart series, but each book is a seperate mystery, and I felt at no disadvantage not having read the rest of the series first.
Bella is trying to return her family's resort to its pre-war glory. Not only for her own success, but to return the tourist trade to the town. She hopes that holding a golf tournament will help get things back on track.
Jax, the town constable, and the best friend of Bella's late brother, is brought in when golfer and all-round git, Cecil Lahey, is killed when his car goes down a ravine.
There's no shortage of people that would be happy to see Cecil dead, but Jax has to work out if anyone would have run him off the road.
The book casts an interesting light on what it was like for people, trying to recover after the war, on a personal and professional level.
Everyone was affected in different ways, and they all carried their own scars and secrets, most wanting to put those dark years behind them.
Unfortunately, this story wasn't for me.
There was no sense of intrigue building. We are told everything. Both the narrative and dialogue of the characters felt like a bunch of statements, and I got the feeling of being talked at and lectured, rather than being able to enjoy a story.
For similar reasons, I felt no connection with any of the characters. Despite being told how different everyone was, they all came across very samey.
The blunt narrative made it impossible to feel any friendship, or growing relationship.
We are constantly told that Bella and Jax are a thing. Nothing official, but inevitable. I felt no more emotion between them, than Bella and any other character.
September 4, 2021
Arabella (Bella) Stewart has returned from service in the Great War. Like so many others in her community, she's suffered terrible losses, including the death of her brother. The loss of his friend devastates her brother's best friend, Jax Hastings. His war injuries force him to give up golf, a sport in which he excelled and hoped to make his career. He's now a town constable, but the war has taken its toll, physically and psychologically.
Despite these stinging losses, Bella is working to rebuild her family's golf resort. A successful fourball tournament is key to the recovery. When a universally despised participant turns up dead after the event, the number of suspects is staggering.
Bella offers to ease some of the physical burdens of the investigation by taking notes for Jax and driving. The relationship between Bella and Jax is awkward yet touching as they both deal with the death of Bella's brother and the strange new post-war world.
The story effectively immerses the reader in the era. I particularly enjoyed a scene in which Bella copes with post-war hemlines! However, while the murder investigation introduces us to some interesting characters, the mystery failed to hold my attention and ended rather abruptly.
A Lethal Arrogance is the third Arabella Steward novel, but the first I've read. I recommend it as a historical romance, but not so much as a cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite these stinging losses, Bella is working to rebuild her family's golf resort. A successful fourball tournament is key to the recovery. When a universally despised participant turns up dead after the event, the number of suspects is staggering.
Bella offers to ease some of the physical burdens of the investigation by taking notes for Jax and driving. The relationship between Bella and Jax is awkward yet touching as they both deal with the death of Bella's brother and the strange new post-war world.
The story effectively immerses the reader in the era. I particularly enjoyed a scene in which Bella copes with post-war hemlines! However, while the murder investigation introduces us to some interesting characters, the mystery failed to hold my attention and ended rather abruptly.
A Lethal Arrogance is the third Arabella Steward novel, but the first I've read. I recommend it as a historical romance, but not so much as a cozy mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2021
This is my favorite book of an unusual 1920s series! Will the beautiful Ballantyne resort continue to come between Jax and Bella, or bring them together? I love to see the walls separating them from their dreams (and each other) slowly crumbling away. The extended WWI flashback Jax experienced made his struggles all the more real to me - his physical and emotional wounds from a war that changed winners as well as losers. With the help of her friend, Ida, Bella seems to be gaining insight into Jax and patience with his moods. I really liked the way they cooperated on this case - not without moments of friction, but a growing honesty and openness made me feel hopeful about their future. I also liked the wise words shared by ‘Mac’ MacLendon and Richard Jenkins, who stand in as father figures for Bella and Jackson. They give a grounded yet optimistic perspective to these determined “orphans.”Overall, this story just seemed a little richer than the satisfying books before it - so I can’t wait to see how book four tops it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Book Sirens, and was not required to post a review.
December 31, 2021
Bella is determined to jump-start the family business again. The war has taken it's toll both emotional and financially. Nearly everyone has suffered loss, as has Bella. Learning to come to terms with life without her brother and the holes he has left in the family. It's actually this loss that connects her to Jax, although they refuse to confront the obvious.
Instead they band together to find the killer of an awful man, who was despised by many. The attempts to save Ballantyne Inn are threatened by the early demise of this particularly vile individual.
I think this is less of a whodunnit and more of a 'can you find anyone who wouldn't have dunnit' - yeh that's how likeable the victim is. Is there anyone who didn't have a reason to bump him off?
It's historical romance with cosy mystery as a sideline. Lang weaves the emotional fragility of war trauma, loss, post-war world rebuilding, romance and crime together in this read. The result is a tender approach to each other, whilst navigating a murder most wicked. Note: this dude totally deserved it.
Instead they band together to find the killer of an awful man, who was despised by many. The attempts to save Ballantyne Inn are threatened by the early demise of this particularly vile individual.
I think this is less of a whodunnit and more of a 'can you find anyone who wouldn't have dunnit' - yeh that's how likeable the victim is. Is there anyone who didn't have a reason to bump him off?
It's historical romance with cosy mystery as a sideline. Lang weaves the emotional fragility of war trauma, loss, post-war world rebuilding, romance and crime together in this read. The result is a tender approach to each other, whilst navigating a murder most wicked. Note: this dude totally deserved it.
March 6, 2025
A Lethal Arrogance follows A Lingering Shadow book 2, a few weeks later in 1920. Arabella Stewart is preparing to host the fourball golf tournament. She has been working diligently to restore Ballantyne to its pre-war status as a premier resort. Surprisingly she finds out that her friend Ida Byington has been dating Cecil Laheene. Cecil is not very well regarded in the golf community due to his outbursts. When Cecil fills in at the tournament, Bella worries that there might be trouble. Thankfully Constable Jackson "Jax" Hastings has extra security planned. When Cecil's car is found at the bottom of the ravine after the tournament is over, Bella and Jax begin interviewing suspects and following clues. I enjoyed this book because I like the dynamic between Bella and Jax. I like seeing them work together to solve a case. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
September 6, 2021
A Lethal Arrogance is Book 3 in An Arabella Steward Historical Mystery by D S Lang. Ballantyne Inn is hosting a golf tournament in hopes of saving the Inn. The tournament was a success, but, after Lahey left the hotel, he was found dead at the bottom of the ravine. When a second set of tire tracks was found at the scene, Constable Jackson (Jax) Hastings and Arabella are hot on the trail for a murderer. While they are getting closer to solving the crime, maybe Jax and Arabella are getting closer to each other too. D S Lang has written another wonderful mystery. I can’t wait to read another book by this author. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t get a chance to get through the updated version, but did get a copy to read. It was an exciting story and had me reading long after I should have put it down. I think I will have to go back and read the first book to truly understand some of the subtext in this book.
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September 25, 2021I try to pick up on clues in D.S. Lang's writings. Somehow she still surprises me!
I received a copy of this book at no cost for my honest review.
I plan to read all of her books again! I have to know if I can find the true facts when I know the ending. She, Ms. Lang is so subtle in her clues!
I received a copy of this book at no cost for my honest review.
I plan to read all of her books again! I have to know if I can find the true facts when I know the ending. She, Ms. Lang is so subtle in her clues!
September 19, 2021
Set aside a full, long day for this family-friendly cozy set in August 1920 mostly at the Ballantyne Resort near Moreley, Ohio where golf is the game of the day. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
September 23, 2021
3.5 stars.
A Lethal Arrogance is a historical mystery and is the third book in the Arabella Stewart sagas. I haven't read the previous two in the saga so it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Bella is a strong female lead and makes a great heroine of the story. I loved learning about what she did during the War and how quickly she jumped in to help solve the mystery.
Jax, like many men from WW1 is struggling with post-war life and his injuries but is a loveable character.
The other characters are all well written and relatable too.
The novel draws you in straight away and really transports you to the time and place of its setting. As well as the mystery there is also plenty of scene setting, humour and some romance too.
Whilst I loved the historical element to the book the mystery part to it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I would have liked it to be a bit more of a mystery.
I'm giving A Lethal Arrogance by D.S. Lang 3.5 stars.
A Lethal Arrogance is a historical mystery and is the third book in the Arabella Stewart sagas. I haven't read the previous two in the saga so it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Bella is a strong female lead and makes a great heroine of the story. I loved learning about what she did during the War and how quickly she jumped in to help solve the mystery.
Jax, like many men from WW1 is struggling with post-war life and his injuries but is a loveable character.
The other characters are all well written and relatable too.
The novel draws you in straight away and really transports you to the time and place of its setting. As well as the mystery there is also plenty of scene setting, humour and some romance too.
Whilst I loved the historical element to the book the mystery part to it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I would have liked it to be a bit more of a mystery.
I'm giving A Lethal Arrogance by D.S. Lang 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews