Can I just have a fangirl moment? Squee! This is one of my favorite authors and one whom I would love to meet and share a coffee with. Amanda Quick is one of Jayne Anne Krentz’s pen names and the other is Jayne Castle. I adore her books in all three genres; historical, contemporary and futuristic. The Mystery Woman is the second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street and Quick truly delivered. The tale is filled with spies, mystery, romance and danger all wrapped in a little paranormal woo-woo. Set in historical London I quickly slid into the world and its characters. Three word review: Suspenseful, romantic, captivating.
Review: A Penny Saved A Murder Earned by S.G. Lee
I was in the mood for a little suspense, murder and mystery so I decided to review A Penny Saved A Murder Earned. Lee takes us into the lives and minds of the Kelly girls and those of the serial killer. While not without flaws this character driven novel kept me in suspense as the characters pieced together the clues that will lead them to the killer. Three word review: mysterious, suspenseful with a dark killer.
A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate by Susanna Calkins
The cover of A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate spoke to me and the synopsis with its promise of a mystery sealed the deal. Susanna Calkins debut novel shares a wonderful murder mystery set in 1665 London with a Nancy Drew vibe. A young chambermaid unearths clues regarding a serial killer who is goes after young woman.
Trashy Chic by Cathy Lubenski
Trashy Chic by Cathy Lubenski was a fun and suspenseful murder mystery with a cozy mystery feel. I easily consumed this in a single day and was drawn into the sometimes crazy if not funny world of fluff newspaper reporter Bertie Mallowan. I giggled my way though this and loved the clever twists involving the murder, suspects and other key players.
The Bughouse Affair by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini
The Bughouse Affair the first book in a new historical mystery series set in San Francisco during the 1890’s offered up interesting characters and two cases that become intertwined. The tale features former Pinkerton operative Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon, a former secret service agent who together have opened their own detective agency. I quickly became caught up in the mysteries and the character claiming to be none other than Sherlock Holmes himself.