2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge
2026 52 Club Reading Challenge
2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge
2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge
Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)
2026 Countdown Reading Challenge
Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo
2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge
2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge
2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge
The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge
The Life Skills Reading Challenge
Showing posts with label World Settings: Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Settings: Scotland. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2022
Kelley Armstrong's Newest Crime Novel a Rip-Roaring Good Read
Oh, ho! What is this? An actual book review? It's been a hot minute since I posted much other than Top Ten Tuesday lists. It feels good to be getting back in the saddle, even if I pretty much just copied and pasted my Goodreads review here instead of expanding and enhancing it for the blog as I usually do. Oh well, at least you're getting a real, live book review today. Progress!
---
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Vancouver homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is in Edinburgh, Scotland, to be with her dying grandmother as she lives out her final days. The grieving 30-year-old goes on a jog one evening to clear her mind. She's lured into an alley where she is brutally strangled by a strange man.
The next thing Mallory knows, she's waking up in a world that has tilted completely. She's still in Edinburgh, but, as she soon discovers, she's traveled back in time 150 years to 1869. To further complicate matters, she's no longer Mallory, at least not on the outside. She's now inhabiting the body of Catriona Mitchell, a saucy 19-year-old. A semi-reformed thief rescued from the streets by her employer's sister, Catriona works for a handsome undertaker named Dr. Duncan Gray. The kicker? Catriona is recovering from being strangled and left for dead—in the exact same spot where Mallory was attacked a century and a half later.
As Mallory struggles to make sense of her new life while also trying to figure out how to escape it and return to her own time, a curious corpse is delivered to Dr. Gray, who moonlights as a medical examiner. The young man has been strangled. Just like Mallory and Catriona. Mallory's detective brain kicks into high gear; even though she knows it's essential for her to act the part of Catriona—an uneducated servant who doesn't know what a germ is, let alone understand forensic science—she can't help but tap into her own expertise. Anything to catch the cold-blooded killer who is stalking prey in two separate timelines. Desperate to return to the side of her beloved nana, Mallory hopes that solving the case will catapult her back where she belongs. Can the detective put the killer behind bars before he strikes again? Or will his next attempt on her life be final, for both Mallory and Catriona?
I'm already a big fan of Kelley Armstrong's crime novels, but I have to say, she outdid herself with A Rip Through Time, her newest outing. Of all the books I've read by Armstrong, this one is hands-down my favorite. Why? It's just SO MUCH FUN. Seriously. It doesn't sound like it from the plot summary, but A Rip Through Time is a funny, entertaining, all-around charming romp of a mystery novel. The premise is intriguing, the characters are likable, the prose is engaging, and the plot is engrossing. What more could I ask for? How about humor? Check. A light, flirty romance that makes for a diverting subplot without distracting from the mystery? Check. A PG-13 rating that lets me enjoy a crime novel without feeling nauseated or afraid to be in the house alone? A bad-a$$ heroine who's also down-to-earth and relatable? A cast that includes several strong women and even some decent men? Check, check, and check. For all these reasons and more, I adored A Rip Through Time. Considering this glowing review, it won't surprise you at all that I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series. Too bad it won't come out until at least next year. Boo hoo hoo. I seriously can't wait!
(Readalikes: It's Outlander meets The Alienist, according to the publisher. I've never read the latter or watched the series, but I agree with the former. No other keen comparisons are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, sexual innuendo, depictions of drug abuse (opium), and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of A Rip Through Time from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Warm and Sweet, Bookshop Rom-Com Makes for Fun Reading
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Just when it seems nothing else can go wrong for Zoe O'Connell—a single mom struggling to keep up with her expensive, stressful life in London—something does. A "reappraisal" on her crummy flat is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. Knowing she'll get no help from her absent mum nor her charming, but always penniless ex, Zoe's at her wit's end. She wants something better for her non-verbal 4-year-old, Hari, but how can she improve their situation when she has no money, no support system, and no hope that things will ever get better?
Enter Surinder, Hari's aunt. A friend of Nina Redmond (heroine of The Bookshop on the Corner), who's looking for help with her bookmobile business, Surinder sets Zoe up with two jobs in a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands. Zoe will help Nina out while also working as a nanny at the local "big house." Desperate, Zoe has little choice but to accept. Soon, she's doing her best to keep her three rowdy charges in line, help their father engage with his children, and keep a pregnant Nina from overworking herself. Hari seems content in Kirrinfief, so Zoe's determined to make it work despite all the challenges she's facing. Can she make a home for herself and her son out of a backward Scottish village? When push comes to shove, will she stay or go?
Jenny Colgan is a new find for me. I read The Bookshop on the Corner in 2017 and loved it, so I was eager to pick up its companion novel, The Bookshop on the Shore. While the latter is not a sequel per se, it does feature the same town as well as some of the same characters from the former. I loved dropping in on these old friends and being introduced to new ones. Like its predecessor, The Bookshop on the Shore is warm, sweet, and funny. I adored everything about it, from the setting to the writing to the characters, both new and familiar. As much as I enjoyed The Bookshop on the Corner, I liked this one even better as it has more depth to it. Colgan writes such fun books. I definitely plan to keep exploring her backlist while eagerly awaiting her newest offerings.
(Readalikes: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a half dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Bookshop on the Corner with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, September 06, 2019
Hey Alexa, What do You Get When You Cross a Haunted Smart Home and an Unsuspecting Nanny With Secrets of Her Own?
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ignoring everything she's ever heard about gigs that sound too good to be true, Londoner Rowan Caine accepts a position as a live-in nanny in the Scottish Highlands. Lured by the promise of a ridiculously generous salary; the luxury of Heatherbrae House, a remote "smart" home that's rumored to be haunted; and the charm of her three young charges, who appear to be pleasant and well-behaved; the 27-year-old is so glad for the job that she doesn't ask too many questions. After all, she doesn't want her new employers querying her too closely, now does she?
At first, Rowan is relieved to be given almost complete autonomy in her new job. Bill and Sandra Elincourt—busy professionals who run a family architecture business—are consumed by work and seem perfectly content to leave the care of their children in the hands of a virtual stranger. When the couple takes off almost immediately after Rowan's arrival, leaving the nanny in charge for the foreseeable future, she's dismayed, then horrified. Not only does Rowan have little idea how to run Heatherbrae House's smart features, but the place seems to have taken against her, turning on lights, locking doors, and blaring music at all hours. The Elincourt children aren't any better with their tricks and tantrums. As the situation grows increasingly out of control, a frantic Rowan becomes more and more panicked. In over her head, she's desperate for help that's obviously not coming. When push comes to shove, the unthinkable happens.
Now Rowan's sitting in a Scottish prison pleading for someone—anyone—to believe in her innocence. A child is dead; if Rowan isn't the killer, then who is?
I'm a fan of Ruth Ware's psychological suspense novels. I love how they keep me feeling off-kilter throughout, never quite knowing what's real and what's not. While her newest, The Turn of the Key, is not my favorite of hers, I still enjoyed it. Despite a slower pace than her other books, this one still boasts an intriguing premise, a creepy, suspenseful vibe, and an engrossing plot, all of which kept me flying through the pages to see what would happen next. If you dig compelling, slow-building (but still engaging) psychological thrillers, you'll definitely want to give this one a go. It's an old-fashioned haunted house story with a fresh, modern twist to keep things interesting.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Other Mother by Carol Goodman and The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Turn of the Key from the generous folks at Gallery/Scout Press via those at NetGalley. Thank you!
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
TTT: "Atmospheric," You Say? I'm There!
The topic du jour for my favorite weekly meme is all about book settings. I love a vivid, well-developed backdrop and will pretty much always want to read a story described as "atmospheric." While our lists today are supposed to be about settings we'd like to see more of, I'm just going to go with my favorite settings because, naturally, those are the ones I would like to see more of, right? Incidentally, I created a similar TTT list back in April about topics/settings that always lure me in.
Before we get to that, I just want to encourage you to join in the TTT fun. All you have to do is click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl, read a few simple instructions, create your own list, then spend some happy hours hopping around the book blogosphere. It's a great way to find new blogs to follow, drop in on old favorites, and, of course, add to ye olde TBR pile. What's not to love?
Top Ten Settings I Love and Would Like to See More Of
1. Wild West/Pioneers/Homesteading—Between my Mormon pioneer heritage and my love of genealogy, it's probably no surprise that I love me a good pioneer/homesteading story. They always entertain me while leaving me in awe of the courage, determination, and strength it took for ordinary people to take on the extraordinary task of venturing into the wild, untamed west and trying to eke out a life there.
Favorite Examples: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson; the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder; the Gold Seer trilogy by Rae Carson; and Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
2. Creepy old houses/Gothic—Give me a crumbling old mansion by the sea or a spooky plantation home on the bayou or an abandoned cottage hidden in the woods and I'm a happy reader. I always love a shivery haunted house story.
Favorite Examples: Pretty much anything by Kate Morton or Carol Goodman
3. At Sea—As a high school exchange student, I once spent an entire day puking my guts out on a voyage across the Philippine Sea and I'm not sure I've quite recovered! Landlubber that I am, I do possess a healthy appreciation for—and fear of—the raw and magnificent power of the ocean. For this reason, I love a good "at sea" setting. Be it a harrowing Titanic tale, a rollicking pirate yarn, or a good, old-fashioned shipwreck survival story, I'm all in.
Favorite Examples: The Watch That Ends the Night by Allan Wolf, the Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer, and Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
4. Isolated/Insular communities—I also find cloistered communities intriguing. From gentle Amish settlements to sinister cult compounds to free-spirited hippie communes to religious retreats to secret societies, these types of settings always pique my interest.
Favorite Examples: the Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong, Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
5. Small towns (especially if they're hiding BIG secrets)—Because I was reared in a quaint little town, I'm naturally drawn to these types of book settings. I especially love it when these placid villages are hiding juicy secrets that are about to crawl out of the closet to wreak a little havoc.
Favorite Examples: the Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny; the Big Stone Gap series by Adriana Trigiani; the Grace Valley and Virgin River series by Robyn Carr; and just about anything by Joshilyn Jackson
6. Australia—I've really been enjoying novels from Down Under lately. I especially love those set in the Outback, where daily survival is not necessarily an assured thing.
Favorite Examples: the Tomorrow, When the War Began series by John Marsden, anything by Jane Harper, and books by Liane Moriarty
7. Antarctica—This unforgiving setting is another one that garners my endless fascination—and fear.
Favorite Examples: My Last Continent by Midge Raymond
8. Bookstores and Libraries—I think people who love to read are naturally drawn to a bookish setting. I am for sure.
Favorite Examples: The Bookshop on the Corner and The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan and The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee
9. Obscure States, U.S.A.—Every year, I keep track of the states where the books I read are set, sometimes as part of an official reading challenge, sometimes just on my own. Guess which states are the most difficult to cross off my list? Inevitably, it's places like North Dakota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Delaware. According to my records, there is one state that has never made an appearance in my reading: Arkansas. So, if there's one setting I feel is underrepresented it's the less sexy states like poor neglected Arkansas.
Favorite Examples: I got nothin', which just proves my point!
10. Scotland—I have some strong Scottish roots plus a keen interest in moody, broody settings, so this one is pretty much a given.
Favorite Examples: anything by Peter May or Ann Cleeves and the Lady Darby series by Anna Lee Huber
There you have it, ten settings I enjoy reading about and which I'd like to see more of. What do you think? Do we have any favorite settings in common? Which would you like to see more of? Can you think of any great books I need to read in the categories above? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on yours.
Happy TTT!
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Creepy Scottish Mystery Offers a Shivery Spring Thrill
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After her mother dies, London tv producer Ailsa Calder inherits an imposing home in the Scottish Highlands known as the Manse. Although she lived in the house as a young child, the place gives Ailsa the creeps. Big time. Ailsa can feel it watching her, eyeing her every move with sinister intentions. Even the local wildlife and neighborhood pets refuse to set foot on the property. The townspeople whisper about the haunted Manse, saying it's a strange, in-between place where time moves differently. Crazy as it sounds, Ailsa almost believes them. If she had inherited the entire house, she would sell it without hesitation, but the other half belongs to her father—and he's been missing for 27 years. Before she can unload her unsettling inheritance, Ailsa has to prove her dad is dead.
For convenience's sake, Ailsa decides to live in the Manse while preparing the paperwork necessary to sell the old pile. Carrie, the half-sister Ailsa barely knows, becomes her erstwhile roommate. As the two women get to know each other and the locals—some of whom are kind and welcoming, others of whom view the sisters with suspicion and distrust—it soon becomes apparent that the Manse isn't the only entity that wishes Ailsa harm ...
I'm sure it's more than evident by now that I love me a shivery mystery/thriller featuring an ominous, atmospheric backdrop; an eerie old house; and a dusty old skeleton (literal or otherwise) hiding in a closet, just waiting to be discovered. The Missing Hours by Lexie Elliott has all this and more. It's a compelling and engrossing page-turner that offers mystery, suspense, and a hint of the supernatural. The plot is a teensy bit slow, but I didn't mind that a bit. The Missing Hours held my attention, keeping me feeling slightly off-kilter (in a good way) throughout. I didn't love Elliott's debut, The French Girl, but her sophomore attempt is much, much more to my liking. I very much enjoyed this creepy, entertaining novel.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, references to illegal drug use, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Missing Hours from the generous folks at Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Newest Hebridean Thriller A Compelling Page Turner
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Ruairidh Macfarlane proposes investing in a small, Hebridean tweed company, his wife balks. Niamh has business and marketing experience, but still, sinking their life's savings into her husband's dream seems more than a little risky. Still, the duo manage to make a successful go of it. When their unique version of Harris tweed catches the attention of some bigwigs in the fashion industry, it seems like everything's finally coming up roses.
Although the business is taking off, Niamh's relationship with her childhood friend turned husband, has gotten a bit rocky. While on an important business trip in Paris, she accuses Ruairidh of having an affair with Irina Vetrov, a married fashion designer. Furious, he stomps out of their hotel room. Moments later, Niamh spies him climbing into Irina's car. Minutes after that, the vehicle explodes, killing Ruairdh and Irina instantly. A shocked Niamh soon finds herself the prime suspect in her husband's murder. Even when she's released and allowed to return to Scotland, she's hounded by police and regarded with suspicion.
While Niamh grapples to come to terms with her husband's violent death, she also searches for answers. The more she discovers, the more she begins to suspect that the reason for Ruairdh's murder has more to do with local politics than international ones. When someone makes an attempt on her life, she knows the killer isn't satisfied yet ...
I'm a big fan of Peter May's thrillers, especially those that take place in the moody, broody Hebrides. May has a keen way of making the locale come alive for me in all its stark, striking glory. His newest, I'll Keep You Safe, is set mostly off-island, which might explain why I didn't love it as much as some of his others. Like a true Hebridean, I'm leery of outlanders and prefer an all-local cast. This novel also seems more graphic to me. May uses a different format for this novel, which provides an interesting contrast. Still and all, I'll Keep You Safe remains a tense page turner that kept me riveted from start to finish. I saw the killer coming, but a couple of the story's twists did catch me by surprise. So, while this isn't my favorite of May's, I'll still read anything of his, especially if it's set in the always-fascinating Hebrides.
(Readalikes: Other Hebridean thrillers by Peter May; also books by Ann Cleeves)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, depictions of illegal drug use, and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of I'll Keep You Safe from the generous folks at Quercus. Thank you!
Monday, February 12, 2018
Moody, Broody Hebridean Mystery Atmospheric and Engrossing
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Hetty Deveraux inherits her crumbling ancestral home in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, she decides to transform the dilapidated edifice into a hotel. Never having seen the property before, she's shocked at the ruinous state of Muirlan House. Even if she sinks every penny she's got into the place, it won't be enough. With potential backers in London, Hetty decides to go forward with the plan anyway.
Hetty's project goes awry almost immediately. She's meeting resistance from locals who don't want their quaint island turned into a fancy tourist destination. Then, bones are discovered at Muirlan House. With police crawling all over her property, she doesn't know what to think. Who could possibly be buried in the old house?
As Hetty digs into the house's history, she learns it once sheltered Theo Blake, a distant relative and a skilled painter of some renown. She also discovers that the bride he brought to Muirlan House disappeared without a trace in 1910. Could the bones be those of Beatrice Blake? If so, what happened to the couple's seemingly happy marriage? By listening to local gossip and studying Theo's increasingly dark, disturbing paintings, Hetty hopes to find answers to explain the past and guide her future.
Thanks to Peter May, I'm all in for novels set in the wilds of the Outer Hebrides. Initially, that's what drew me to The House Between Tides by English author Sarah Maine. The novel's premise did the rest—I'm always up for a family secrets novel set in a mysterious old house in the middle of a moody, broody landscape. And you know what? The House Between Tides did not disappoint. With it's atmospheric setting and tense, suspenseful plot, it sucked me right in. Yes, I saw the big reveal coming, but there were other twists that caught me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed this one and will definitely be checking out Maine's previous (and future) books.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Edge of the Earth by Christina Schwarz as well as Hebridean mysteries by Peter May and novels by Kate Morton)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The House Between Tides from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, February 01, 2018
May's Newest Not My Favorite, But Still Compelling
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Ruairdh Macfarlane proposes investing in tweed, his wife balks. After all, what do the two of them know about fabric? Will they be able to survive if they sink their life savings into a small, Hebridean textile business? Niamh has a background in business and marketing, but she still thinks her husband's idea is crazy. Against all odds, the duo create a successful company. When their unique take on Harris Tweed catches the attention of bigwigs in the fashion world, it looks like their dreams of fame and fortune are finally coming true.
Although Niamh and Ruairdh have been friends since childhood and spouses for a decade, their solid bond seems to be cracking. While on an important business trip to Paris, Niamh accuses Ruairdh of cheating on her with Irinia Vetrov, a married Russian fashion designer. Furious, he stomps out of their hotel room. She spies him climbing into Irina's car, which explodes only moments later, killing them both. A shocked Niamh soon finds herself the prime suspect in her husband's murder. The only way to clear her name is to find out what really happened.
Even in the Macfarlane's remote home in the Hebrides, Niamh becomes the target of someone bent on doing her harm. Why did her husband die? And who is trying to kill her now?
I'm a big fan of Peter May's novels, especially those set in the moody, broody Hebrides. He has a way of making the locale come alive for me in all its stark, striking glory. A lot of I'll Keep You Safe (available March 6, 2018), May's newest thriller, takes place off-island, which is maybe why I didn't like it quite as much as some of his others. It also felt more graphic. Its format differs from May's previous novels, which made for an interesting contrast. I did enjoy delving into the characters' back stories, although I realized that, like a true Hebridean, I'm leery of outlanders and prefer an all-local cast. Still and all, I'll Keep You Safe is a tense page turner that definitely kept my attention. While I saw the killer coming, there was at least one twist that caught me by surprise. His newest isn't my favorite, but I still love May and will read anything he writes, especially if it's set in the always-fascinating Hebrides.
(Readalikes: Other books by Peter May; also those by Ann Cleeves)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of I'll Keep You Safe from the generous folks at Quercus. Thank you!
Friday, January 12, 2018
Second Installment Proves Lady Darby Series Just Gets Better As It Goes
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Mortal Arts, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Anatomist's Wife. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Having been the assistant of her anatomist husband while he made a macabre study of death, Lady Kiera Darby has earned an unsavory, though undeserved, reputation. Now a widow, the 25-year-old painter has gladly retreated from society. Her sister's country home has become a refuge, in spite of the unfortunate murder that took place there recently. When Kiera's pregnant sister is encouraged to relocate to Edinburgh to be closer to medical help, Kiera knows she must go, too. Leery of society gossips, she tries to remain in the background, blending as well as she can into the scenery.
It's not to be. When a local girl goes missing and Kiera's old art tutor, William Dalmay, becomes a suspect in a possible crime, Kiera is once again drawn into the intrigue. Paired with Sebastian Gage, an infuriating inquiry agent whose many charms are not lost on the widow, she vows to prove William's innocence. The more the duo investigates, however, the more it looks like William may, in fact, not be as innocent as he seems. Kiera refuses to believe he's guilty, but she can't deny that the 40-year-old war veteran has been suffering from a severe case of shell shock. Could he, in his debilitating illness, have done something terrible? It's up to Kiera and Sebastian to find out.
While I liked The Anatomist's Wife, the first book in Anna Lee Huber's historical mystery series, I enjoyed this second installment more. Mortal Arts boasts a more exotic setting, a more complex story, and a more exciting (albeit slow-burning) romantic subplot. All of these elements work together to make it more engrossing on the whole. While Mortal Arts has some grim parts, overall it's a clean, entertaining mystery that will appeal to readers who fancy detective novels with colorful historical settings, strong female leads, and fewer gory, graphic details than you find in a typical mystery/suspense novel. I'm loving this series that just keeps getting better and better.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Lady Darby series, including The Anatomist's Wife; A Grave Matter; A Study in Death; A Pressing Engagement [novella]; As Death Draws Near; and A Brush With Shadows)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Mortal Arts with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, January 08, 2018
The Anatomist's Wife a Compelling Start to Intriguing Historical Mystery Series
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With her abusive husband dead, Lady Kiera Darby has been released from his tyrannical reign over her life. She can't, however, shed the reputation she's gained by assisting him in his "unnatural" pursuits. A skilled artist, Kiera was forced to sketch the dead bodies her anatomist husband studied with an interest more macabre than medical. Although she had no choice but to obey her spouse's commands, Kiera is still viewed with suspicion and disgust.
Kiera finds refuge at her sister's estate in Scotland. There, she can hide away, concentrating on painting what she likes. Her intent is to stay completely out of the public eye, but when a vicious murder occurs during a party hosted by her sister, Kiera is encouraged to use her knowledge of anatomy to help solve the crime. Paired with Sebastian Gage, an insufferable rake with some experience in private investigation, Kiera becomes more and more involved in finding the killer. Despite the threatening notes she receives warning her off the case, she's determined to see it through. Can she and Gage find the murderer? Or will they become his/her next victims?
When Lark praised the Lady Darby mystery series by Anna Lee Huber on her blog, I knew I had to check it out. I mean, a historical Scottish setting + a murder + an "unnatural" lady detective? How could I pass up that winning combo? The Anatomist's Wife, the first book in the series, introduces our appealing heroine and her enigmatic partner in (solving) crime. Kiera is a sympathetic character, who's easy to admire for her intelligence, bravery, and compassion. The mystery she's striving to solve gets predictable, with few surprises to keep the reader guessing. Likewise, the murderer's motive seems thin. Despite these irritants, though, The Anatomist's Wife remains a compelling novel. I enjoyed it overall and immediately reserved the next two books in the series at my library. As I've since read them, I can vouch for this series—it definitely gets better as it goes!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Lady Darby mystery series [including Mortal Arts; A Grave Matter; A Study in Death; A Pressing Engagement (novella); As Death Draws Near; and A Brush With Shadows])
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Anatomist's Wife with a portion of the millions I earn from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, December 01, 2017
Mobile Bookshop Rom-Com A Warm, Fun Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
There's nothing 29-year-old Nina Redmond likes more than a swoony, satisfying happily ever after. Whether that sweeping high comes from her own reading or from helping a hungry reader find the right book, it doesn't matter. As a London librarian, Nina's greatest joy comes from seeing the perfect HEAs come to fruition. If only she could find one for herself.
When Nina becomes redundant at work, she's adrift, wondering how to find meaning in her newly unemployed state. Before she can talk herself out of it, she finds herself traveling to the Scottish Highlands to buy an old bus. In her mind's eye, she can see what the rusty vehicle is truly meant to be—a mobile bookshop. London has no need for such a thing, but the folks in tiny Kirrinfief do. As Nina sets about turning her dream into reality, she becomes more and more comfortable in the tiny Scottish village. Is it possible she's stumbled upon not just her life's calling, but also a place where she can truly feel at home? Between her new business challenges, the attention of a handsome Latvian train driver, and the relationship she thinks she might be building with her enigmatic sheep-farming landlord, Nina's once humdrum life has taken some surprising, very intriguing new turns. What's lurking at the end of that twisty road? Could it be Nina's long-awaited, much sought-after happily ever after?
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan is a warm, fun novel about the power of books to transform lives and communities. It's also about the risk and rewards of taking a chance, even (especially?) a crazy one. Nina's a lovable heroine whose passion will resonate with anyone who loves books. Her antics are entertaining and it's easy to root for her happiness. Perhaps Nina's HEA, especially with her business, comes without enough struggle (as was suggested by my friend Jenny in her recent review of this novel), but that doesn't bother me all that much. I enjoyed this one, however far-fetched it may be. This was my first foray into Colgan territory, but it certainly won't be my last.
(Readalikes: I feel like I should be able to think of a million comparable titles, but nothing's coming to mind. Help?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), sexual innuendo, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: The Bookshop on the Corner came from my personal library, although I'm not sure how it got there. #bookhoarderproblems
Monday, September 04, 2017
Highlands Romance a Swift, Swoony Read (With a Giveaway!)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
During the ten years he spent in foreign lands fighting for the Crown, Color Sergeant Conall Stewart dreamed of one thing: home. Now that he's back in Scotland, he's devastated by what he sees. While the Highlands are as beautiful as he remembers, his childhood house has been burned to the ground, his ancestral lands charred by the greed of his own countrymen. With his family run off their land, maybe even killed, Conall has no idea what to do now.
While he sends out inquiries, hoping to discover his family's fate, Conall rents a farm in a nearby town. His home is one of the nicest in the village, naturally attractive to thieves. When Conall discovers one such trespasser, he hauls the young boy home to his mother, sure the wee burglar will receive a sufficient scolding. The soldier is shocked by Aileen Leslie's indignant response to his accusations. Taken aback by the woman's negligent parenting and unwillingness to face the reality of Jaime's obvious criminal behavior, Conall washes his hands of the family altogether.It's not long, though, before Conall finds himself coming to the aid of the widow and her son. Before he knows it, he's developed a fondness for the boy. His feelings for Jaime's mother have grown, well, far beyond fondness. Before the relationship has a chance to go anywhere, though, Aileen's past comes calling. With everything he cares about on the line, Conall must decide how far he's willing to go to save the people he loves.
I've never been a big fan of romance novels, but I do enjoy a sweet Regency love story every so often. Author Jennifer Moore is one of my go-to authors in this genre. Having read most of her books, I know I can count on Moore to deliver an exciting, engaging tale featuring a brave, likable heroine; a courageous, dashing hero; a rich, exotic setting; and a positive, uplifting tone. Moore's newest novel, Miss Leslie's Secret, is no exception. It offers everything I love in a Regency romance—and more. Although I've enjoyed all the books I've read by Moore, I think this one is my favorite. I adored the setting, the characters, and the sweet romance between Conall and Aileen. If you are in the mood for a swift, swoony read set in the always enchanting Scottish Highlands, I definitely recommend Miss Leslie's Secret.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of other books by Jennifer Moore, including Lady Emma's Campaign; Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince; Simply Anna; Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart; A Place for Miss Snow; and Lady Helen Finds Her Song)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and some disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Miss Leslie's Secret from the generous folks at Covenant. Thank you!
--
Would you like more opinions on Miss Leslie's Secret? Follow along on the book's blog tour:
*Sept. 4th: http://booksaresanity.
*Sept. 5th:
http://www.wishfulendings.com/
*Sept 6th:
http://www.rockinbookreviews.
*Sept. 7th:
http://www.kindleandme.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.
*Sept. 8th:
http://readingismysuperpower.Would you like your own copy of Miss Leslie's Secret? Enter to win a copy of the book plus a $25 Amazon gift card below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway .
Subscribe to:
Comments
(Atom)
Reading
Murder at Ochre Court by Alyssa Maxwell
Listening
Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins
Followin' with Feedly
-
Fishbone Cinderella2 hours ago
-
-
-
Prayers of Rest7 hours ago
-
Grab my Button!
Blog Design by:
2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
2023 - Middle Grade Fiction
2022 - Middle Grade Fiction
2021 - Middle Grade Fiction
2020 - Middle Grade Fiction
