Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "Murder on Stage" by F.L. Everett transports readers to wartime England, specifically 1941, amidst the chaos of the Blitz. Trainee reporter Edie York finds herself thrust into a thrilling mystery when Leonard Lessiter, a lead actor of the Victory Gang Parade theatre group, collapses and dies on stage. This sudden death is just the beginning of a series of dramatic events that grip both the stage and the investigation. Edie, determined to uncover the truth, reluctantly teams up with DCI Louis Brennan, whose plate is full with catching looters and ration cheats. Encouraged by Brennan to dig deeper, Edie delves into the lives of the theatre group members, unearthing a web of jealousies, secrets, and betrayals. The stakes rise when Ginny Sutton, the leading lady, goes missing on the same night as Lessiter's death. As Edie navigates through the suspects, ranging from former lovers to ambitious newcomers, the story unfolds against a backdrop of warti...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In "Dressing the Countess," Rachel Brimble transports readers to the enchanting world of Victorian England, where ambitions clash with matters of the heart in a tale of love, sacrifice, and destiny. The story revolves around Rose Watson, a talented seamstress whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is chosen to work for Lady Christina, the esteemed Countess of Bath. Rose's dreams of a better life seem within reach as she enters the opulent halls of Henlow House, but fate has other plans in store for her. Caught between her burgeoning feelings for Henry Ward, a saddler with a mysterious past, and the delicate balance of maintaining her position, Rose faces a poignant dilemma that could alter her future forever. Brimble paints a vivid picture of Victorian society, expertly capturing its intricacies and constraints. The contrast between Rose's humble beginnings and the aristocratic world she now inhabits is palpable, highlighting the dispa...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW In The Unseen Sister, the second installment in Andy Maslen’s gripping Detective Kat Ballantyne series, readers are thrust into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue that masterfully intertwines personal turmoil with professional challenge. Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne is still grappling with recent revelations that have upended her personal life when she’s called to a case that demands her full attention. The body of a woman is discovered is found in suspicious circumstances at Bowman's three sisters trio of Standing stones, another soul gone from Middlehampton before their time  and what initially seems like an accident soon reveals deeper, more sinister implications when the body is found among a scatter of gym equipment.  The woman dead is Jo Harris, a personal trainer and fitness coach. The death looked a lot like a sure cause of anaphylaxis. Looked like the woman was burnt in the post mortem in a sadistic manner, and Kat is drawn int...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW "A Song of Silence: A Gripping Holocaust Novel Inspired by a Heartbreaking True Story" transports readers to the harrowing landscape of World War II Poland, where Mirek, a determined caretaker of an orphanage, grapples with the onslaught of Nazi brutality. Author Steve N Lee intricately weaves a narrative that encapsulates the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering. As the Nazis encroach upon Mirek's tranquil town, his resolve to protect the children under his care becomes an unwavering commitment. The novel delves into the depths of Mirek's sacrifices and the moral dilemmas he faces as he navigates the treacherous terrain of wartime survival. With 89 innocent lives depending on him, Mirek must confront the grim realities of war, confronting moral ambiguity and ethical compromises in his quest to shield those he loves. The introduction of a sadistic SS captain introduces an element of chilling suspense, escalating th...

Book Review: Murder at the Paris Fashion House by Nancy Warren Nancy Warren’s Murder at the Paris Fashion House is a dazzling historical mystery that sweeps readers into the glittering world of 1920s Paris, where glamour and intrigue collide. In this charming and fast-paced cozy mystery, Warren expertly combines the opulence of the jazz age with a captivating whodunit that will leave readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Abigail Dixon, a determined Chicago news reporter who heads to Paris in search of her big break. She’s eager to interview a renowned couture designer and bask in the splendor of the Parisian fashion scene, where Coco Chanel reigns supreme. But things take an unexpected turn when Abigail stumbles upon the body of her estranged stepmother, lying lifeless amidst the lavish fabrics and luxurious gowns of a prestigious designer’s atelier. To make matters worse, Abigail quickly becomes the prime suspect. Abby Dixon grapples with the aftermath of Lillian'...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW  In T.A. Williams' latest installment of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series, "Murder on the Italian Riviera," readers are transported to the stunning landscapes of Tuscany, where the allure of paradise is tainted by a dark mystery. Private investigator Dan Armstrong, accustomed to navigating the shadows of criminality, is thrust into an unexpected alliance with Bianca Moretti, an enigmatic woman from his past. Despite their complicated history—Dan once played a role in Bianca's imprisonment—he finds himself drawn to her intelligence and beauty. Bianca solicits Dan's help in unraveling the mystery surrounding a suspicious death at her father's lavish retreat on the idyllic Italian Riviera. While authorities dismiss the incident as accidental, Bianca remains adamant that foul play is involved. With his expertise and determination, Dan agrees to assist, but harbors doubts about Bianca's complete transparency. As Dan delv...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Emma Orchard's "A Duke of One's Own" sweeps readers back to the summer of 1816, where Lady Georgiana Pendlebury, a spirited rebel, finds herself ensnared in a web of scandal and romance. Georgiana is no stranger to defying the constraints of polite society, but when a seemingly innocent invitation leads her to a clandestine party, she's thrust into a world more scandalous than she ever imagined. It's there that she encounters a mysterious stranger whose unexpected assistance sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever. Later, as Georgiana attends a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire, she discovers that the Duke of Northriding, notorious for his rakish reputation, is none other than the stranger who came to her aid. Despite her initial intentions of attending the gathering merely for entertainment, Georgiana finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Duke in ways she never anticipated. As Georgiana and Gabrie...