Review: Penance for the Dead

“Penance for the Dead” is the fourth installment in Cara Devlin’s Bow Street Dutchess mystery series. In this episode, Audrey and Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden must once again join forces to ferret out a killer, though Hugh is the prime suspect!

The relationship between Audrey and Hugh continues to develop. The mystery of Hugh’s background unfolds in surprising ways after his half-sister turns up asking for help and then, shortly after, is found dead in a ballroom. I can’t say too much more without going into spoiler territory.

Suffice it to say, I devoured this book. It was scrumptious. The series is different and creative, with challenges for the characters that seem insurmountable at times. The slow burn romance is on point as is the use of Audrey’s ability to learn about the victims of murder. This episode was the quickest read yet. If you like historical mysteries with a slow burn romance and a touch of the paranormal, this is a series not to be missed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Gray Lady

Madame Elinor Chalamet is back for another installment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries novella series. This time Elinor is summoned to a seaside home to determine if a soon-to-be bride is about to become a victim of the ghostly Gray Lady. With the attractive Duke de Archambeau at her side, Elinor attempts to separate ghostly activity from human machinations before it’s too late.

This is another delightful episode in the series. The heat is turned up a bit on the slow-burn romance between Elinor and the Duke, which causes even more gossip than what is already swirling around the two of them. Even though she is dismayed to find herself the subject of gossip, Elinor will not be deterred in getting to the bottom of the mystery of the Gray Lady. 

If you like historical mysteries with a bit of the paranormal this is a great series for you. I continue to be impressed with author Byrd Nash’s world building in the series. This is a quick read sure to leave you clamoring for more!

Review: Death at Fournier Downs

Audrey, Duchess of Fournier, and Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden join forces once again in Cara Devlin’s “Death at Fournier Downs.” Since the events of the previous spring, Audrey and her husband have been ensconced at Fournier Downs, away from the gossip of London. The story opens with a bang as Audrey witnesses a dear friend running frantically through the woodlands of Fournier Downs, then moments later hears a scream. Audrey races to the rescue, but is too late; she finds her friend’s broken body. 

Audrey is immediately suspicious so she summons Hugh Marsden through her friend’s mother. As the duo delve deeper into the death, they find no shortage of possible suspects. Audrey’s special abilities point them in the right direction, but the clues are not making complete sense. Will they be able to apprehend the murderer before they are silenced?

This is the second installment in the Bow Street Duchess series and is as delightful as the first. The pacing is excellent as is the slow revelation of the central characters’ backstories. The combination makes it difficult to put the book down. I appreciate that while Audrey appears to be self-confident, particularly given her station in life, she has bouts of self-doubt that she struggles to overcome. 

This book is great for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a slow burn romance and a touch of the paranormal. 

Thanks to Book Sirens and Cara Devlin for an advance reader’s copy of “Death a Fournier Downs” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Spirit Guide

“Spirit Guide” is the third installment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. In this episode, Elinor once again joins forces with the enigmatic Duke de Archambeau, this time to find the daughter of a Baron. Twyla, Madame Chalamet’s bumbling apprentice, begins to find her footing as a medium, and helps Elinor confront foes old and new. A visit to the Beyond may be the only way to solve the mystery, but will Elinor survive?

I am thoroughly enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next installment. Though there was definitely more of the paranormal in this episode, it was not overwhelming. We get another tantalizing clue about Elinor’s father’s murder. We also see strides in Elinor and Tristan’s relationship as they learn to communicate with each other in a personal, rather than purely professional, way. Twyla is turning out to be a delightful addition to the eccentric cast of characters.

“Spirit Guide” is great for those who like mysteries, paranormal mysteries, slow burn romances, and quick reads.

Thanks to NetGalley, Rook and Castle, and Byrd Nash for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.