BLOG TOUR: The Messenger (The Jennifer Hattley Mysteries) - Claire Bamford

How do you bring a murderer to justice when the only eyewitness is a ghost?

Jennifer has returned home after a relatively amicable divorce to discover her family’s big secret — the maternal line has the ability to talk to ghosts. Before Jen has time to digest this revelation, tragedy strikes, leaving both her and her mum Jacqui to navigate their gifts in ways they could never have imagined.

When a new ‘visitor’ is a missing woman from thirty years ago, Jen is determined to help her; but what will her choices cost, and can she keep her family’s past from coming back to haunt her?

Although loss is inevitable and not everything in life, or death, can — or, perhaps, should — be explained, the strength of a mother’s love and the power of trust can pull us through any hardship. Almost.

 

What did I think?

What an outstanding debut novel!  Claire Bamford is going straight on my authors to watch list after reading her fantastic debut, The Messenger.

It's a refreshing take on a mystery when Jennifer Hattley, a woman who has just found out that she can talk to ghosts, helps the police to solve a 30 year old cold case.  Naturally, the police are sceptical when Jen calls with information about a missing person but they can't turn a blind eye to the evidence that is presented to them.

I was immediately drawn into the story by the intriguing prologue set in 1972 where the family gift is passed down through the generations.  It's incredibly poignant and surprisingly heartwarming when Jen learns that it is now her turn to wield the family gift.  Written with a mixture of humour and pathos, the first ghosts she encounters set me off an emotional rollercoaster as I laughed and cried when they revealed their messages.

This isn't just a ghost story though, it's a cracking mystery and an incredibly emotional one as Jen does everything she can to reveal the final resting place of Helen Swift's body.  I loved Jen's dogged determination to not just get the police to believe her but to also reassure Helen's ghost that she was safe.

Intriguing, moving and highly original, The Messenger is a fantastic supernatural mystery that evoked many emotions in me.  I am delighted that this is not the last we will hear of Jen and I can't wait to read more of The Jennifer Hattley Mysteries series.  A magnificent debut and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted copy to read and review for the Instagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: Flora's Cotswold Christmas Mystery - Anna A. Armstrong

It’s December 1924, and when the Honourable Flora Farrington hears of the untimely death of her old schoolfriend Maud, she smells something suspicious—and it’s not the Christmas pudding. With her usual flair for investigation (and an eye on the ever-dashing Inspector Busby), Flora throws herself into the mystery—helped along by her old Nanny and the ever-faithful dachshund, Dorothy.

The quiet Cotswold village is anything but peaceful: a war-scarred doctor, a capable nurse, ambitious social climbers and missing morphine all muddy the festive waters. When Flora’s fearless daughter Debo ends up in danger, the case turns chilling in more ways than one. From Christmas shopping in Oxford to a dramatic chase through the frosty countryside, Flora finds herself uncovering secrets far darker than she imagined—as sparks begin to fly between her and Busby.

Will Flora solve the case before the bells ring—or will Christmas bring one final, deadly twist?

 

What did I think?

Flora's Cotswold Christmas Mystery is a fun mystery with a festive feel and I raced through it in one sitting.  It's a novella at 167 pages long but it is packed with entertainment and unforgettable characters.

It's set in 1924 and there's a wonderful cast of characters at the start of the book that picks out the main characteristics of each character in a delightful and informative way.  I found it really useful and referred to it throughout the book so I didn't lose track of who was who.

Flora is a great character and she's a fan of the P.G. Wodehouse books which has turned her into a female Bertie Wooster, what-ho!  It's making me smile just thinking of Flora now and that's before I'm reminded of Nanny (her very own Jeeves) and Dorothy (the dachshund).

The 1920s era is beautifully described and I really felt as if I had stepped back in time.  It's written with so much warmth and humour that it's an incredibly entertaining murder mystery with a dash of romance.  I really enjoyed it and it's definitely one to put on your Christmas list.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Witchcraft and Fury (Chronicles of the Divided Isle, Book One) - T.T. Greenshaw

Solar Carpenter is the first girl to study magic in a hundred years. And maybe the last.

For over a century, only high-born men have wielded magic in Ashwood. The nobility’s youngest sons are taught by the kingdom’s wizards in roving magic encampments. Witchcraft is forbidden, and the women who practise it persecuted.

Yet change is coming.

Solar Carpenter, a girl providing for her family any way she can, is plucked from her life of menial work and petty theft to study at an elite encampment. Under the guidance of one of Ashwood’s greatest wizards, she will learn in the field as a witch-in-training, using her powers to protect the kingdom.

Or die trying.

 

What did I think?

I absolutely loved reading Witchcraft and Fury so I'm delighted that more books are planned in the Chronicles of the Divided Isle series.  It's an amazing debut from T.T. Greenshaw and I can't wait to read what he writes next.

Before I get onto my thoughts about the book I just want to mention the map in the opening pages.  I do love a map in a book but this one is even better as there is a link to a colour, zoomable version on T.T. Greenshaw's website.  It really brings the book to life before you even read the first word.

No one is more surprised than 17 year old Solar Carpenter when she is chosen to learn magic with a group of privileged boys.  Being the only girl, she struggles to fit in and it's made even worse when she discovers that she has taken the place of an entitled boy who wants his place in the training camp back. 

There is so much going on in the book that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.  It's like Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones as it's dark, dangerous and enchanting.  There's also a bit of crime and mystery as the trainee magicians turn their hand to solving crimes and catching villains.  Add in a sprinkling of romance and a dash of treachery and Witchcraft and Fury proves that it really does have it all.

Witchcraft and Fury is a fantastic start to a new series and I think it covers so many genres that it will appeal to many readers.  It's fantasy, romantasy, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, feminist and YA all rolled into one magical and entertaining package.  A very highly recommended read and one I plan to read again.

I received a gifted copy for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Fallen (Glasgow Southside Crime Series Book 4) - Maureen Myant

An errant crisp packet is all that stands between DI Alex Scrimgeour being murdered on his way to work. Who would want Alex dead? Or was it perhaps a case of mistaken identity? If the bullet wasn’t meant for Alex, then who was it meant for and why?

Alex’s journalist daughter, Kate, newly in his life and now happily settled in the same city, is obsessed with finding out more about a spate of apparent teenage suicides in the city. What do the deaths have in common, if anything? And who are the two mysterious ‘friends’ claiming that some of the teenagers were suicidal despite their families believing otherwise?

Despite pressing domestic issues, Kate can’t let the matter go, plunging her into a potentially dangerous situation.

When his would-be killer turns up dead, Alex is forced to look further back into the past to discover what motivated the shooting. Who is behind the vendetta? Can they be stopped before the next attempt is more successful?

 

What did I think?

You're always guaranteed a good read with a Maureen Myant book and The Fallen is no exception.  It's the fourth book in the brilliant Glasgow Southside Crime Series and, whilst you could read it as a standalone, it's absolutely superb when read as part of the series.

I was hooked from the moment I picked this book up when an attempt is made on Di Alex Scrimgeour's life.  He's certainly a bit of an acquired taste but he doesn't know who could possibly want him dead.  I really like Alex and his personal life plays a big part in the book; I loved seeing the relationship blossoming with his daughter Kate which is in stark contrast to the relationship he has with his dour niece Gillian.

Kate is a journalist and she has sniffed out a story regarding some recent teen suicides.  The families don't believe their children would take their own lives and it's heartbreaking for them.  Kate thinks there's something off too but getting close to the truth puts her in danger and my eyes were on stalks as I was reading.

The suicide storyline is very dark and disturbing but it is written sensitively and respectfully.  There's a lot going on in the book to keep the pages turning rapidly as the myriad strands of the plot weave in and out of the vivid prose.

Gripping, thrilling and fast-paced, The Fallen is an outstanding instalment in a magnificent series.  Very highly recommended.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Brain Fruit - Stephen Oram

Can empathy survive the next stage of evolution?

Nurtured by the neural networks of a bee, a brain fruit is born. To become a symbiotic trioid and continue the evolutionary crawl upwards they need to combine with an insect bug. And they need to deal with those that would destroy the givers of life. 

Stephen Oram’s zoefuturist story explores the fragility of emerging relationships - how we welcome, how we trust and how we keep becoming.

A mind-bending, bio-digital fable that pulses with poetic strangeness. Oram’s Brain Fruit is daring, disorienting, and deeply human.

 

What did I think?

I'm maybe not sure what I've read or even that I picked up the main message, but I can't stop thinking about Brain Fruit since I turned the final page.

It's a short novella at just 44 pages long but it is definitely mind-bending as the synopsis states and it's incredibly thought-provoking.  The writing is extremely lyrical as Stephen Oram draws the reader into the story and I had amazing visualisations of the scenes in my head as I was reading.

For me, Brain Fruit is about how we live and die together, how we destroy the environment through lack of care and knowledge, how we overlook and judge beings on appearance, and (at the risk of sounding like a politician) how we are better and stronger together.

Intelligent, imaginative and peculiar, I enjoyed Brain Fruit and think everyone will get something different out of reading it.  It's strange and unusual but it's so beautifully written and completely unforgettable.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: Love's a Witch (The Scottish Charms Series) - Tricia O'Malley

She’s hexed. He’s vexed. And for Scotland’s most magical small-town, their feud might just spell disaster.

Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, but with her twenty-fifth birthday looming – the day witches come into their magic – her grandmother summons her and her sisters back for one tiny task: break the centuries-old curse haunting their bloodline.

Knox Douglas, Briarhaven’s grumpy mayor, has worked tirelessly to make his town a haven for magical folk. The last thing he needs is a cursed MacGregor wreaking havoc. It doesn’t matter he once crushed on her. For the sake of Briarhaven, Sloane has to go.

But magic has other plans – and in Briarhaven, love really is a witch.

What did I think?

Love's a Witch is the first book in an exciting new series and I already can't wait to read more after Sloane, Knox and Blue cast their spell on me.

The prologue is set in 1713 and sets the scene of the curse that has befallen the MacGregor family and caused them to be unwelcome in the quaint little Scottish town of Briarhaven.  Unfortunately for Briarhaven, the MacGregor witches are back in town and mayor Knox Douglas doesn't mince his words when he asks them to leave. 

Sloane MacGregor is no pushover and she also has a history with Knox, who was her teenage crush.  Prepare for some blushing and swooning as the sexual tension reaches fever pitch and I was furiously waving my virtual fan on occasion.  The romance is only part of the story though and there's lots of magic, an abundance of cuteness in the form of the various familiars, and a host of entertainment.

I absolutely loved how Briarhaven hides its magic in plain sight, although some of the mishaps caused by Sloane's new magic were a little harder to explain.  Blue the cheese-loving emberwolf really stole my heart and it's no surprise to learn that Tricia O'Malley based him on the memory of her own pet as his character traits are so amusing and a huge amount of love is woven within the beautiful prose.

Bewitching, magical and a bit steamy, Love's a Witch is an incredibly entertaining novel that's just crying out to be made into a TV show.  Please pick this one up, Netflix!  I can't wait to read more of The Scottish Charms books so please write quickly, Tricia!  An easy five stars - I absolutely loved it.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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The Sitter - Caroline McGhie

Adolescent baker’s boy Jack catches sight of a beautiful woman alighting from a train at dusk. His remote Norfolk village is built around a railway maintenance hub known as The Works which is ruled by ritual, hierarchy and God.

Newcomer Rosie is escaping a secret past involving a well-known London cartoonist who is a proponent of early photographic pornography.

A beguiling tale of love and learning unfolds against the backdrop of the hardships faced by the railwaymen and fishermen of the time.

Poignant and moving, this literary novel weaves the key themes of women’s rights, childhood memories, sexual freedom, religion, art and pornography around it’s compelling cast of characters. Based on extensive research in and around Melton Constable and Cromer, The Sitter exudes the charms of Victorian Norfolk and a nostalgia for the steam railways.

An historical novel of richness and depth, The Sitter is a remarkable, engaging and deeply atmospheric debut

 

What did I think?

The Sitter is quite a short book but it's worth taking your time to read it in order to savour this very accomplished debut from Caroline McGhie.

From the very first line, I was thrust into early 20th century Norfolk and all the sights and sounds were beautifully described.  Rosie is running away from London and she causes quite a stir when she steps from the train in the fictional village of Swanton Stoke.  Young Jack Stamp writes about Rosie's arrival in his diary and I absolutely loved reading his diary entries throughout the book.

Caroline McGhie gradually reveals the secret that Rosie is harbouring and it's interesting to note that we probably wouldn't bat an eyelid today, but Victorian England was very different.  It's not like the same things didn't happen, it's just that we didn't talk about them so they were seen as shameful.  I really felt for Rosie and my heart went out to her as she was put in an impossible position.

Atmospheric and haunting, The Sitter is a beautifully written debut novel and one not to be missed by historical fiction fans.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Whisky World Tour - Joel Harrison

With a foreword by Charles MacLean MBE, the celebrated 'world authority' on whisky

The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of the very best whisky distilleries open to the public, around the globe. Discover their unique stories and histories from the comfort of home, along with bottle recommendations, too.

Award-winning whisky writer Joel Harrison kicks off The Whisky World Tour in North America, taking in key bourbon producers, before moving on to the traditional whisky powerhouses of Ireland and Scotland. Along the way 'new world' whisky-makers from South Africa to Scandinavia are explored, before finishing in Japan, home to some of the world's most lauded whiskies.

Each stop along the way is a window into the world of whisky, so settle in, pour a dram and allow yourself to be taken on this grand and spirited journey.

Featuring distilleries across the globe including:

USA

Canada

Scotland

Ireland

Japan

Denmark

Australia

New Zealand

India

China

 

What did I think?

As a lover of whisky I was very excited to read The Whisky World Tour and I was not disappointed.  I thought it would be a book I would dip in and out of but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.  It's written in such a concise and engaging way that I learned so much about one of my favourite spirits and, with breathtaking photographs accompanying the narrative, I felt as if I was on a virtual whisky world tour from the comfort of my armchair.

This is a compendium of 52 whisky distilleries from around the world so it's not designed to be a comprehensive guide to every whisky and your favourite might not be included.  I was a little disappointed that there was no Welsh whisky included as one of my favourite whiskies is Penderyn, but there are a few others I have tried and a lot more I now want to try.

I love the way the book is set out, not just by country but with a lot of history about each distillery and then one or two of their products.  It's like a whisky distillery visitor's guidebook with address details, when to visit and what you can expect to see (and taste) when you get there.  It almost makes me want to apply for a passport!

Having read it cover to cover, this is a book I will continue to refer to as I continue my whisky tasting journey.  I read the book over two days and would have read it a lot faster if I hadn't kept stopping to add various whiskies to my wishlist.  I could have quite happily continued reading Joel Harrison's thoughts on each distillery beyond the 52 that are included in the book, so if he fancies writing Volume 2 I would definitely be interested in reading it.

Informative, interesting and immersive, The Whisky World Tour is an amazing virtual tour of  some of the world's best-known distilleries, and some new ones to look out for.  If you're a whisky drinker, or if you know a whisky drinker, this is the perfect book for you/them.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Howling: Volume 3 (The Annie Jackson Mysteries) - Michael J Malone

Two men, centuries apart, dream of being a wolf. 

One is burned at the stake.

Another is locked in a psychiatric hospital for most of his life.

And Annie Jackson is about to find out why…

Vowing once again to remove herself from society, Annie is back living alone in her little cottage by the shores of a loch. But when an old enemy – now locked up in a high security hospital – comes calling, begging her to find the son that she was forced to give up at the age of seventeen, Annie is tempted out of seclusion. The missing boy holds the key to ending Annie’s curse, and he may be the only chance that both she and Lewis have of real happiness.

Annie and Lewis begin an investigation that takes them back to the past, a time etched in Scottish folklore, a period of history that may just be repeating itself. And what they uncover could destroy not just some of the most powerful people in the country, who will stop at nothing to protect their wealth and their secrets, but also Annie’s life, and everything she holds dear…

Dark, immersive, and utterly compelling, The Howling is a story of deception, betrayal, and misplaced power, and a reminder that the most public of faces can hide the darkest of hearts…

 

What did I think?

The Howling is the third book in the Annie Jackson Mysteries series and although you could enjoy it as a standalone, it is absolutely brilliant when read as part of the series.  If you thought the first two books were dark, just wait until you read The Howling.

Annie Jackson has a curse that gives her a vision of the impending death of someone with whom she has come into contact.  There is nothing she can do to prevent the death so she has chosen to isolate herself in a remote cottage to keep her murmurs quiet.  Annie is drawn out of isolation when an old adversary dangles a carrot in front of her that is too impossible to resist: find her son and the curse will be broken.

Interspersed with chapters from a dark and dangerous past, I was completely hooked from the start and the historic storyline is both horrifying and heartbreaking.  I could very easily visualise every scene in the book as it played out in my head as I was reading.

I just can't get enough of Michael J Malone's writing; he immediately draws you into the story and I dived in headfirst to submerge myself in the vivid and haunting words.  As much as I wanted Annie and her twin Lewis to succeed in their mission to break the curse, I also don't want the series to end so what a quandary that puts the reader in as we race to the dramatic conclusion.

Deliciously dark and incredibly haunting, The Howling is a fast-paced and completely unmissable novel.  Very highly recommended.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure - Caroline James

When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott trades the rainy hills of Cumbria for the golden coast of Spain in his beloved vintage campervan, his quiet village is left reeling from the shock. With only his faithful collie, Ness, for company, Atticus sets off in search of sunshine, serenity, and perhaps a glass or two of sangria. But his solo adventure quickly turns into something far more unexpected...

Back in Ireland, Atticus’s daughter Mary is facing a crisis of her own. As her picture-perfect life starts to crumble, she must find the courage to put herself first for once and rediscover the dreams she set aside long ago.

As father and daughter navigate new paths, they learn that starting over isn’t about running from the past—but embracing the unknown with open arms…

Full of laughter, love and second chances, Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is a feel-good escape that proves it’s never too late for a new beginning—no matter where life might take you.

 

What did I think?

I can't believe Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure is the first Caroline James book I have read but it's definitely not my last as I absolutely loved  it.  I adored Atticus and he has made a little permanent place in my heart to ensure that I never forget him and I won't let the old (wo)man in.

Atticus lost his wife Clara five years ago but time has not healed his heart.  Atticus' son Mungo has taken over the running of the farm, leaving Atticus to while away his days with his faithful dog Ness and his friend Arthur.  Until Mungo's twin sister Mary arrives at the farm with a cunning plan to breathe life back into Atticus via his old campervan.

It's so refreshing to have an older protagonist and, despite what his son might think, there's plenty of life left in 70 year old Atticus Arnott.  I loved reading about his adventure to Spain and his unintentional rise as a social media influencer.  Although I can understand Mungo's reservations about his dad making a solo journey, you would never leave the house if you dwelled on all the things that might happen.

Although Atticus is the main character, I really enjoyed his daughter Mary's story.  Mary is having a difficult time at home as she struggles to cope with her four children while her husband is busy working.  As events unfold, Mary has to stay strong and work out what is most important to her.

This is such a lovely book that I couldn't put it down and read it almost in one sitting.  I was completely swept away with Atticus' Spanish adventure and I loved every second of it.  It has a surprising festive feel towards the end and I may have shed a happy tear or two as my emotions got the better of me.  A very highly recommended read and an easy five stars.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Bad Women (The Brampton Village Mysteries Book 2) - Jennie Ensor

It is a new year and the Covid pandemic is a distant memory for the residents of Wilton Close. If only the sudden death of neighbour Tara Sanderson wasn’t still haunting some of them. But Tara is very much alive in memories, and consciences – in particular, those of friends Ashley Khan, Elspeth Chambers and Clare ‘Bird Woman’ Titchfield.

Then a young woman from a nearby caravan park is found dead in a local quarry. Police conclude it was suicide; she was gravely ill when she died. But is there more to the tragic death than meets the eye?

Attempting to lay ghosts to rest, Ashley becomes obsessed with solving the mystery, finding an unlikely ally in the local police. Her friends insist on helping, too. Clare must make amends after she carelessly let the local vicar snatch her drawing of the scene of Tara’s death. Elspeth seeks atonement for her role in Tara’s unfortunate demise – while doing her best to quell suspicions that the three friends are guilty of a heinous crime.

The trio find themselves trailing the young woman’s suspected killers, pitching them against powerful men determined to keep their own secrets hidden. To stand a chance of defeating their adversaries, the women must find a courage beyond their imagination.

 

What did I think?

I am delighted that Jennie Ensor has written a sequel to The Bad Neighbour as I loved it and I couldn't wait to visit Brampton Village again in The Bad Women.

Elspeth, Ashley and Clare are trying to put the death of their neighbour Tara behind them but Tara is as relentlessly annoying in death as she was in life.  The three women know exactly what happened to Tara and they are never going to have any peace until the threat of discovery no longer hangs over them.  That might be sooner rather than later with a new detective in town...

There are more suspicious deaths in Brampton for the police to investigate with a little help from Brampton's very own bad women.  The writing is exquisite and the plot twists and turns beautifully to keep the reader on their toes.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it was all going to pan out (and to discover why there were chillies on the cover) and I absolutely loved it.

The Bad Women is an intelligent and menacing psychological thriller that is completely unputdownable and unmissable.  A very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Five by Five - Claire Wilson

Just because the most dangerous criminals in society are caught and locked up, doesn’t mean they stop committing crime.

That’s where Kennedy Allardyce comes in – monitoring not just the prisoners, but also the staff.

And she’s just stumbled across her most dangerous foe yet – rumours of a corrupt guard with lethal influence. And what’s worst, it seems they’ve already realised Kennedy is on their tail.

At least one thing is giving her joy – a blossoming relationship with Molly, a beautiful, enigmatic new guard.

Wouldn’t it be awful if the killer she’s hunting turned out to be the woman she’s falling for?

 

What did I think?

I think Five by Five is the first book I have read that is set inside a prison and I really enjoyed it;  it is both claustrophobic and thrilling.

Kennedy has such an interesting job: she is the eyes and ears of the prison as she monitors her various feeds to identify any threats.  The only problem for Kennedy is that the threat seems to be directed towards her and my danger radar skyrocketed.  I couldn't read fast enough as the danger levels increased and I didn't know who Kennedy could trust.

Five by Five is Claire Wilson's debut thriller and it's a cracking one at that.  The writing is very accomplished and it makes me very excited to read what Claire writes next.  I enjoyed the prison setting and it really made me think about the procedures that must be in place to protect other prisoners, staff and the public from dangerous criminals.

Filled with tension and fraught with danger, Five by Five is a book that is difficult to put down once you pick it up.  It's an impressive debut from an exciting new talent and Claire Wilson is definitely one to watch.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Daughter of Genoa - Kit Devereaux

In Nazi-occupied Italy, keeping secrets could be deadly.

Genoa, 1944:

Widowed and alone, Anna Pastorino has been surviving on her wits since the Germans invaded. The daughter of a prominent Jewish antifascist, Anna lives a hidden life in her small flat near the harbour ... until an RAF bomb destroys her only shelter. When a Jesuit priest approaches her offering help, she has no choice but to accept. She follows her new friend, Father Vittorio, to a safe house above a printers' shop in a quiet street near via Assarotti.

But the Tipografia Guichard is more than just a refuge. It's a forgery workshop: a key part of the secret rescue operation headed by Massimo Teglio, the "Scarlet Pimpernel" of Genoa's persecuted Jewish population. Drawn into a world of clandestine resistance, Anna discovers a new sense of purpose, a circle of friends, and a passion that brings her alive.

Soon, the little flat above the shop holds more secrets than anyone could imagine. As Anna grows closer to both Teglio and Vittorio, she must confront a past trauma of her own: a secret that might endanger her and everyone she loves.

 

What did I think?

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I am reminded why I love it when I read books like Daughter of Genoa.  It's like stepping back through time as Kat Devereaux brings wartime Italy to life with her vivid writing and poignant plot.

Set in 1944, the story is told from two points of view: widow Anna and Jesuit priest Vittorio who are brought together as they shelter from an air raid.  When Anna loses her home, Vittorio finds a safe haven for her and introduces her to the world of forging documents to keep the Jewish population safe.

It is so important to keep this dark period of history in people's minds in the hope that it will never be repeated.  Although Auschwitz is prevalent in my mind when I think of the persecution of the Jews, it's only a small part of the big picture so it was interesting to read about events in a different setting.

Compelling, gripping and haunting, I couldn't put Daughter of Genoa down and read it in one sitting.  I will definitely be looking out for more Kat Devereaux novels on the strength of this one.  Very highly recommended. 

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://amzn.eu/d/fYISSnd

About the author:

Kat Devereaux was born near Edinburgh, and lived in the United States, Russia, France, Chile, Germany, and the Czech Republic before finally settling in Italy. She is a writer and translator with a special focus on Italian literature.

https://www.katdevereaux.com/ 

Publisher social media handles:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriaFiction 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaFiction 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headofzeus/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headofzeus 

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