BLOG TOUR: Death at the Altar (Mary Shelley Investigations book 3) - Donna Gowland

The Shelleys are back with a new murder case! For fans of Mary Shelley, Daphne Du Maurier, Diane Setterfield and Laura Purcell.

With Percy under suspicion, can Mary find the real murderer in time…?

1815, London

When her infant daughter dies, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin is plunged into a deep depression.

And it doesn’t help that the father, and man who she loves, Percy Shelley, cannot commit to her as he already has an estranged wife.

When Mary receives an invitation to a wedding from a beloved school friend from her Dundee days, Percy thinks it would provide the perfect distraction.

But even away from London, they cannot escape people talking about their relationship.

And when the curate is shot dead at the end of the wedding, the locals turn on Percy.

Mary must find the true killer before their misguided suspicions become a witch hunt.

And as Mary has murder on the mind, her stepsister Claire sets her targets on someone else — Lord Byron…

DEATH AT THE ALTAR is the third book in the Mary Shelley Investigation series: thrilling Gothic murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.

What did I think?

I am absolutely loving the Mary Shelley Investigations series, of which Death at the Altar is book three.  You can read each book as a standalone as there is a new mystery to solve but they are well worth reading in order to learn about Mary Shelley's life.

The mystery in this instalment is very intriguing and it becomes even more critical for Mary to solve the murder when Percy becomes one of the suspects.  As it says in the blurb, Mary is is devastated by the loss of her baby daughter and my heart really went out to her as Mary is still a teenager and Percy isn't much support with his flighty poetic nature.

There's quite a lot going on in the book to keep the reader entertained and I enjoyed the spotlight falling on Claire for a while.  I wasn't a big fan of Claire in the first two books as she seemed to set her sights on Percy but now she is obsessed with Lord Byron and she comes up with a cunning plan to capture the (already married) poet's heart.

Donna Gowland's writing is very evocative, atmospheric and immersive so I felt as if I was part of the story myself and the characters, being based on real people, are vividly brought to life.  I have really come to care about Mary Shelley (and Percy and Claire) and I have found myself reading more online about her life, although not too much as I don't want to spoil the story in any future books.

Entertaining, compelling and enlightening, Death at the Altar is both a gripping murder mystery and a fascinating glimpse into the life of Mary Shelley.  A highly recommended read in an extraordinary series.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Commune - Danny Dagan

Escape the rat race. Join our commune. Don't worry, it will be fine…  

Luke Stonebride flees London for a fresh start in a remote, off-grid commune. Nine days later, he is found in a coma. His fellow commune members lie lifeless in the forest.

Was it the work of a brutal intruder or something darker lurking within?

To find out, we need to go back to the beginning: a rainy day in July, a clearing in the forest, thatched cabins and woodsmoke – and the ominous signs of the dangers to come.

 

What did I think?

Whoosh!  That's the sound of me being blown away by Danny Dagan's fantastic novel The Commune.  Danny Dagan is a local author based in Northumberland and I totally missed his debut novel The Game but I will definitely be adding it to my TBR after reading this outstanding book.

I was riveted by the dual timeline of before and after the tragic events in the Northumbrian countryside.  There's a continual sense of unease and life in the commune is not as idyllic or simple as new resident Luke expects.  Luke is also running away from something and he's not the only character with secrets to hide.

Sandra Saint-John, the sister of the commune leader is quite a character and I don't mean that in a good way.  She's more bothered about her inheritance than the death of her sister Dorothy and nephew Joel.  Dorothy's will leaves the commune to the fellow members and with one of them still alive Sandra hires a private investigator to prove that that Luke killed the others and therefore can't profit from a bequest.

I really liked Alex Czerniak who Sandra hires to investigate the deaths at the commune.  His wife Mary is a Detective Chief Inspector and there seems to be a decent amount of pillow talk going on regarding this case.  Alex and Mary do work well together off the books, whilst keeping it professional in the public eye. 

The rugged Northumbrian countryside is almost a character in its own right and it is very easy to imagine living off grid up in the sticks. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved the nod to a local landmark in such an unusual way that it made me smile. Simply brilliant!

Unputdownable, unpredictable and unmissable, clear your schedule when you pick up The Commune as you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve devoured every single word.  Danny Dagan is clearly a very talented writer and he’s certainly one to watch.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted paperback to read for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Mark of Eternity (The Egyptian Stones Book 2) - Murray Bailey

An ancient code. A deadly killer. A truth buried beneath the sands of time.

FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb thought the Surgeon - a notorious serial killer - was a ghost from the past. But when a new series of murders erupts, each marked with strange, arcane symbols, the trail leads Rebb across continents to Egypt... and to a chilling revelation: the Surgeon has returned, and this time, his killings follow a pattern—one tied to a purpose more terrifying than anyone imagined.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, Alex MacLure has uncovered more encoded messages in ancient tablets. An ancient Egyptian was searching for a forgotten symbol. His name appears in a programme written by a brilliant AI student. The student reaches out with a wild theory - but before MacLure discovers the truth, he’s arrested for a murder he didn’t commit.

Thrown together by fate and hunted by forces beyond their understanding, Rebb and MacLure must unlock an ancient secret. They must stop the Surgeon before he unleashes a plan, millennia in the making.

 

What did I think?

Murray Bailey is really giving Dan Brown a run for his money with this fantastic Egyptian Stones series and having read The Heretic Cypher, I couldn't wait to read The Mark of Eternity.  You could definitely read it as a standalone as it has its own contained storyline featuring Egyptologist Alex MacLure.

Now I have to say that I thought I had opened the wrong book on my Kindle when I started reading as the story starts with what looks like religious murders in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well this isn't Egypt, I thought...but it's not my first Murray Bailey book so I knew that everything I was reading would fit together somehow and wow it sure does.

The pacing is blistering as the case in Atlanta moves to Cairo and there's always that magical element of mystery and buried secrets where the ancient Egyptians are involved.  I had my heart in my mouth at the end and couldn't read fast enough to get to the breathtaking conclusion.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I am enjoying The Egyptian Series more than The Robert Langdon series.  Yep, Bailey is better than Brown!  It almost feels unfair to compare them but with codebreaking and ancient mysteries they do have similarities.  I am completely invested in Alex MacLure's story and Murray Bailey is such a skilful writer that every word is there for a reason and there's no padding required.

Riveting, action-packed and mysterious, The Mark of Eternity is an absolutely cracking thriller and I can't wait for the next book in the series.  Very highly recommended.

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

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BLOG TOUR: Lady of Lincoln (The Nicola de la Haye series book 1) - Rachel Elwiss Joyce

A true story. A forgotten heroine. In a time when women were told to stay silent, could she become the saviour her people need?

12th-century England. Nicola de la Haye wants to do her duty. But though she’s taught a female cannot lead alone, the young noblewoman bristles at the marriage her father has arranged to secure her inheritance. And when an unexpected death leaves her unguided, the impetuous girl shuns the king’ s blessing and weds a handsome-but-landless knight.

Harshly fined by Henry II for her unsanctioned union, Nicola struggles to salvage her estates while dealing with devastating betrayals from her husband… and his choice to join rebels in a brewing civil war. Yet after averting a tragedy and gaining the castle garrison’s respect, she still must face the might of powerful men determined to crush her under their will.

Can she survive love, threats, and violent ambition to prove she’s worthy of authority?

In this carefully researched and vividly human series debut, Rachel Elwiss Joyce showcases the complex themes of honour, responsibility, and freedom in the story of a remarkable heroine who men tried to erase from history. And as readers dive into a world defined by violence and turmoil, they’ll be stunned by this courageous young woman’s journey toward greatness.

 

Lady of Lincoln is the gritty first book in the Nicola de la Haye Series historical fiction saga. If you like richly textured female heroes, courtly drama, and fast-paced intrigue, then you’ll adore Rachel Elwiss Joyce’s gripping true-life tale. 

What did I think?

I am so pleased that I decided to read Lady of Lincoln as it is an exceptional piece of historical fiction and I absolutely loved it.

I have never heard of Nicola de la Haye and I won't be alone in that but we really should know about this strong and resolute woman from English history.  When her father died without any sons, Nicola inherited the post of constable of Lincoln Castle.  Of course she is only a woman so any husband she acquires will expect to take over the role.  Not if Nicola has any say it in, they won't!

Nicola is such a feisty and strong-willed character and I loved the way that Rachel Elwiss Joyce has not only brought her to life but brought her to the attention of a multitude of readers.  Lady of Lincoln is just the start of Nicola de la Haye's story and I have been inspired to do my own research so I could read more about Nicola while I wait for the next book in the series.

So beautifully written, vivid and immersive, you won't read a finer historical fiction novel than Lady of Lincoln and I really can't recommend it highly enough.  It's one not to be missed by readers of historical fiction and readers of various other genres will love it too.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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The Charmed Library - Jennifer Moorman

With her signature blend of magical and heartfelt storytelling, USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Moorman returns with The Charmed Library, a love letter to libraries, favorite childhood stories, and readers who have fallen for fictional heroes.

Like many other public libraries, the one in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is a haven for readers. But it's also unlike any other. In this library, fictional characters step off the page into real life. Assistant librarian Stella Parker has no idea. Still reeling from her father's death and--more recently--a breakup, she hasn't noticed. All she knows is she's stuck in a job she's overqualified for and stumped about what to do with her life.

Everything changes when she burns her beloved journal.

Words matter to Stella. For as long as she can remember, she's seen them. Words appear--in varying colors and fonts--rising from surfaces, bouncing over objects, and even wiggling out of people. Words give her insight into emotions and untold stories. But the words change for Stella after she burns her journal. Suddenly they're demanding, urgent--and painful.

Then Stella stumbles upon strange characters in the library after hours. One is an oddly familiar World War II soldier who introduces himself as Jack--Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. A fictional hero and Stella's first crush. Standing in front of her in the flesh.

Jack tells Stella about the magic hidden in the library. Skeptical, Stella rashly invites a villain to visit, and chaos ensues. As she discovers the importance of protecting the library's secret and gets to know the real Jack, words continue to appear. What are they trying to tell her?

Much too quickly, Stella is faced with the reality that all stories must end, and magic comes at a price. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. And Jack's time is almost up.

A cozy, Hallmark-esque rom-com, The Charmed Library invites readers to escape to a world where words come alive and book boyfriends leap off the page.

 

What did I think?

What an absolutely fabulous story Jennifer Moorman has written to delight readers and book lovers!  As a life-long reader I've always thought the library was magical and clearly Jennifer Moorman does too as the magic of books shines out from every page of The Charmed Library.

I adored Stella from the start.  She is feeling very lost and alone; not even her job in the library excites her.  No, this isn't a horror novel!  When Stella returns to the library one evening she meets some very familiar characters but they can't be real, can they?

Although I've never had a book boyfriend, I totally get why Stella is drawn to Jack as he has been there for her whenever she has needed him, she just needed to open his book.  It's like all her dreams have come true when she can see, touch and (eeeek) kiss him.  The downside of this is that like all library books, Jack can only be checked out for 14 days.  

My heart was breaking as the chemistry between Stella and Jack is clear for all to see but to say that they come from different places is an understatement.  There's a real element of magic in the book as Stella can see words in different colours and, whilst some colours are obvious, there are some mysterious purple words that the reader has to collect like bits of a jigsaw in order to see the finished picture.

Charming by name and charming by nature, The Charmed Library is a beautiful and unusual love story with a sprinkling of magic and a lot of books.  It's the first book I have read by Jennifer Moorman and I will definitely be looking out for more now.  Don't miss this one, book lovers!

I received a gifted paperback for the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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