Debbie Lacey

Good Book But Awful Narration

Revisado: 07-10-25

I am an audiobook addict, but this narrator was so bad that I almost gave up on the book. The screeching melodramatic narration, particularly pertaining to Robert and Edwin, was ludicrous and gave the book an almost satirical quality. I think the story was good enough, but I really cannot be certain, so distracting was the narration. I will not listen to this narrator again. Unfortunately, it will take a long time for me to get to the next book on Kindle. I sincerely hope a better narrator is found before the next book releases. I really like this series.

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Engaging Read

Revisado: 07-09-25

Another intriguing outing with Marjorie and Mrs. Jameson. I do enjoy their investigations, even though I identified the culprits fairly early on. There is good character development, with interesting settings, and I enjoy time with the jazz musicians. That said, I admit I am not feeling any chemistry beyond friendship between Freddy and Marjorie. I preferred the hinted connection in the first book with the good Inspector, regardless of the age difference. Time will tell, but I hope for a good romance mixed with solid mysteries going forward.

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Well Done!

Revisado: 07-04-25

I cannot adequately describe the mix of feelings I experienced as I listened to the latest Lady Eleanor Swift release. As usual, it made me laugh. Few can equal Eleanor and her dear butler for wit. It made me happy to see Eleanor and Hugh on their honeymoon. The mystery would give Christie, Sayers, and Doyle a run for their money. The other characters evoked a variety of feelings, as intended, and Eleanor even recovers some memories from her childhood.

This book also hints at some potential changes to the main characters' lives and possibly even more to come on Eleanor's parents. There is such promise for future books, but then I remember Laura isn't here to fulfill all the promise, and that makes me incredibly sad. Regardless, this book deserves its 5 stars, and I am hopeful that there are a few more tales not yet published.

If you are a fan of the series, do pick this one up, and if you haven't read the series, do start at the beginning and read the books sequentially. They are well worth your time.

Well done, Verity Bright!

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Kiera and Gage Continue to Enthrall

Revisado: 06-27-25

I love being back in Kiera's and Gage's world, complete with Anderley, Bree, and the rest of their capable staff. Bonus to see both Bonnie Brock and Lord Henry. Of course, all of them are in the thick of it again when what appeared to be a tragic accident is found to be murder, but with a unique twist. Beyond the challenging mystery, even beyond the Gage's relationship of love and respect that make this a must-read for me, there is a reflective aspect to this book that captured me. First, two anniversaries almost coincide, the death of Kiera's father a number of years ago and the first anniversary of the birth of their daughter that took place in dire circumstances, threatening the lives of parents and child (see Book 9, A Wicked Conceit). Second, after Kiera took her art in a new direction some time ago, her work is finally coming to fruition, leaving her unsettled and unsure of how it will be received. While we have seen Kiera reflect on her disastrous first marriage and the path her life has taken since, including her art, this perfect storm seems to provide a window into the soul of the series' protagonist in a way that hasn't been seen previously. If you are not into introspection, not to worry, it comes in glimpses and doesn't weigh the story down. Regardless, this book is a welcome addition to the series, and as always, I cannot wait for my next visit with the Gages.

As usual, Heather Wilds does an excellent of voicing these characters.

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A Fun, Enjoyable, and Intriguing Read

Revisado: 06-25-25

This 8th book in the series may be among my favorites. Actually, that's probably whichever book in the series that I am reading, but this book was made particularly enjoyable by the turnaround in Frances' mother's attitude and the presence of the great Sarah Bernhardt. I love the incorporation of historical figures in my fiction. Of course, Frances and George are always a delightful couple, intelligent, loving, and sometimes humorous; and this time they have actually been invited to assist the French police. The ensuing investigation is complex enough to keep readers guessing about some, if not all aspects, of the crimes (yes, plural); and the creativity employed in finally bringing the villains to justice is quite satisfying.

Finishing books like this is always bittersweet because I know I must wait for another visit with these engaging characters. If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend that you start with the first book and read sequentially to better appreciate the characters and their relationships.

I always enjoy the narration of Sarah Zimmerman, and this was no exception.

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The Book I've Been Waiting For

Revisado: 06-05-25

This series just keeps getting better. The characters are ever developing. The mystery is complex, even though I did have the who, why, and how figured out about 2/3 through. It took nothing from my enjoyment of the book, and there were still some surprises to come. My only disappointment is that I now must wait another 6 months for my next visit with Cleo, Harry, and the other wonderful characters at the Mayfair Hotel.

Marian Hussey does an excellent job bringing these characters to life.

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Great Read

Revisado: 05-21-25

Tilda and Hadrian get more than they expect when Tilda accepts a new case involving Hadrian's former fiancé. There is no shortage of mysteries that need solving or suspects that require investigation, and Hadrian's special "gift" gets quite a workout. These two make a wonderful team on several levels. It was good to see Teague again. I do like continuity of solid peripheral characters. This book missed a 5 star rating only because I grow weary of Tilda's incessant insistence that she will never marry. It verges on overshadowing the entertainment of the investigation, and that would be most unfortunate. I get the disadvantages of the time, but this is fiction, and I need what is bound to be a very interesting but overall well-suited romance. So, please, find a way to overcome the would-be barriers and take their relationship beyond the professional. That said, I eagerly await Tilda and Hadrian's next outing.

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Worth the Wait

Revisado: 05-20-25

I enjoyed spending time once again with Maddie, Edward, and the gang as they continue to stumble across murder and mayhem in Bath and the Cotswold countryside. The Roman baths and archaeological digs in the area add a unique twist to the story, and I love how Maddie maintains close ties with her childhood BFF back in the States (by FaceTiming her at all hours of the day and night). In this outing, Maddie not only finds herself facing psychopaths and con-artists, but the end of her internship and the possibility that she will be forced to return to the U.S. are looming large. While I would prefer to see Maddie become a bit more assertive, this book brought some character and relationship development that add to the series. I do hope to have more adventures with this group of characters and perhaps not have to wait 2 years between books.

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Excellent Read

Revisado: 05-08-25

If you love a character driven whodunit edgier than a cozy but not quite hard-boiled, this is the book and series for you. Edie and Gil return In this second book in the series along with other familiar characters but with fresh outlooks, new experiences, and determination. This book paints a vivid picture of 1920s Philadelphia and the people who reside there through the developing relationship between our two MCs and the challenges they encounter from without and within. While all of that is at play in the background and skillfully woven throughout the story, readers are presented with a compelling murder mystery that takes us inside the emerging film industry as well as the machinations of prohibition America. While it may be cliché to say, I love these characters, particularly Edie and Gil, but also the morally gray characters of Tommy and Leo that provide the edgy and decidedly non-cozy aspect of the stories. I cannot wait to see them (and their relationships) develop, but this book also leaves readers with a shadowy arch that isn't quite a cliffhanger but definitely sends a message of business unresolved. All in all, this one has the best of several worlds (in terms of book genres and literary tropes), and I eagerly await more.

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Fun and Complex

Revisado: 04-10-25

I do enjoy time with Cressida, her family and friends, and this book is no exception. It is both delightful (the aforesaid characters) and devious (the rather complex mystery). Readers are treated to an Anglo-Saxon tale, complete with a curse, the allure of buried treasure, and a much more modern twisted tale of treachery and betrayal. Oh my! In addition to the mystery, there is more personal, shall we say "character development" taking place, adding to the enjoyment. And for Ruby's fans, she is ever-present with the added mischief of 6 puppies. Like I said - delightful.

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