Tag: historical mysteries
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Book review: The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn
The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is the final book in the Lady Julia Grey series, and I confess that I took my time reading it. I have loved this series since it came out—the first book, “Silent as the Grave” being a particular favorite. It contains one…
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Book review: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn My rating: 3 of 5 stars I really enjoyed the author’s Julia Gray mystery series, so I was looking forward to the beginning of another series by her. But I was torn about this novel when I finished it. There are very few things in life that I am…
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Book review: Dreaming Spies by Laurie King
Dreaming Spies by Laurie R. King My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoy this mystery series and its unique and interesting take on Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, the past few books have been the weakest of the lot, so I was delighted that #13 in the series proved to be such a delightful read.…
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Book review: What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is the first in a Regency mystery series featuring Sebastian St. Cyr, an aristocrat with an interesting set of skills learned in fighting for the British against Napoleon. Don’t let the Regency time period deceive you, however. This is not a…
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Book review: An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson
An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson My rating: 4 of 5 stars I am familiar with the actual author, Josephine Tey, who was a strong believer in the innocence of Richard III in the murder of his nephews, as evidenced by her book “Daughter of Time.” She was also the author of several mysteries,…
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Book review: To Wear the White Cloak by Sharan Newman
To Wear The White Cloak by Sharan Newman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was reminded recently by a professor of medieval English literature that the author of this mystery series was “a real historian.” In fact, the professor hadn’t even realized that the author had written a historical mystery series, being only familiar…
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Book review: Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood My rating: 3 of 5 stars This is the first book in a mystery series set in 1920s Australia. Phryne Fisher is a very self-reliant young woman who grew up poor in Australia and whose family came unexpectedly into a British title and money after the death of more direct…
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Book review: The Difficult Saint by Sharan Newman
The Difficult Saint by Sharan Newman My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Catherine LeVendeur mystery series is one of my favorite historical mystery series. In addition to the impeccable research and the excellent quality of the writing, what makes this medieval mystery series stand out is that the author incorporates into the series the…
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Cursed in the Blood by Sharan Newman
Cursed in the Blood by Sharan Newman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I am an avid fan of the Catherine LeVendeur mystery series and have been for years, but I only recently picked it up again with this 5th book of the series. The reason is that some years ago, I had peeked at…
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Book review: Garment of Shadows by Laurie King
Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Mary Russell mystery series is one of my favorite series. (I know–I say that a lot.) At the beginning of this one, which starts almost immediately after the previous book, “The Pirate King,” Mary Russell is suffering from amnesia and has…