Book Review: "Death At A Highland Wedding" by Kelley Armstrong

 

After slipping 150 years into the past, modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson has embraced her new life in Victorian Scotland as housemaid Catriona Mitchel. Although it isn’t what she expected, she's developed real, meaningful relationships with the people around her and has come to love her role as assistant to undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie.

Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. The McCreadies and the groom’s family, the Cranstons, have a complicated history which has made the weekend quite uncomfortable. But the Cranston estate is beautiful so Gray and Mallory decide to escape the stifling company and set off to explore the castle and surrounding wilderness. They discover that the groom, Archie Cranston, a slightly pompous and prickly man, has set up deadly traps in the woods for the endangered Scottish wildcats, and they soon come across a cat who's been caught and severely injured. Oddly, Mallory notices the cat's injuries don't match up with the intricacies of the trap. These strange irregularities, combined with the secretive and erratic behavior of the groom, put Mallory and Duncan on edge. And then when one of the guests is murdered, they must work fast to uncover the murderer before another life is lost. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the fourth installment in the Rip in Time series by Armstrong. We are back to modern day detective Mallory, who has slipped through time to a Victorian Era Scotland, and into the body of a housemaid. The original book was interesting to read, though I am not one for historical fiction as much as urban fantasy. Over the course of the MC's story through the books, it seems there will be no need of her returning to her future time line, as she ahs started a relationship, and seems to enjoy detective-type work in this earlier time period. Though restricted by conventions of social placement of women, she is still able to teach more current detective skills to some.

Though the series has been somewhat enjoyable due to the author's writing style, the storyline just is slowly losing my attention. As I stated, I am not into historical fiction, and I feel that these books are somewhat repetitive with the basic story idea: dead body, investigate, lovey lovey, society treatment of women, solve murder, catch bad guy. I do want to point out that this author does do other novels of fiction that I do find more enjoyable.

Book Review: "Schemes & Scandals" by Kelley Armstrong

 

It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn’t a thing in Victorian Scotland. It’s all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.

Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.  - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

So, historical fiction stories are not my favorite reads, but the first book in this series had intrigued me with the plot synopsis, and so I started in on it. Of course, this being a smaller novella between possible longer tales, it was a much shorter read, and I did finish it rather quickly once started. Our MC is still stuck back Victorian Era Scotland, with still no idea, or much hope, at returning to modern day. However, her relationship with Gray is developed more, and still, due to the period, not able to be openly displayed, or even talked about amongst their own privacy. Here there is a nice touch that the MC gets to meet Charles Dickens, who just happens to be one of her favorite authors (coincidental...hmmm).

Overall for the shortness of this story, it flowed well. Sticking to the characters, and events from previous installments, I detected no deviance from what has happened before. How accurate the part of Dickens being in Scotland that possible Yuletide... who is to say. There probably is some record of him making a circuit during the era, but I am not that interested to verify. It sounded well and true to me.

Enjoyed the short work, and because I've got some vested reading into the series, I would definitely recommend and read additional stories if the author presents more. 

Book Review: "Disturbing the Dead" by Kelley Armstrong

 

Disturbing the Dead is the latest in a unique series with one foot in the 1860s and the other in the present day. The Rip Through Time crime novels are a genre-blending, atmospheric romp from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.

Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends—and feelings—in this century.

So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn't that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body. - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the third book (not counting novellas) int his series, and follows the story of Mallory, a modern day detective, that gets transported back in time to another body in Victorian Scotland. There, luckily she is the housemaid of a 'surgeon' and basically creates herself an assistant position with him as he assists the police in studying dead bodies. It's somewhat convoluted and far-reaching in how a female in that era could do such.

Anyways, though I do, and have, enjoy(ed) many books from this author, and was anxiously awaiting this one to be available, I just could not get into it. I tried setting it aside, and picking it up days later, but still no luck in getting interested. I would love to try to read it again at a later date, as the twist in the plot synopsis intrigues me.

Book Review: "After Oz" by Gordon McAlpine

 

This gripping and emotionally riveting tale is a dark and timely retelling of The Wizard of Oz where one little girl is forced to face head on the prejudices of the Midwest in the late 19th century.

Kansas, 1896. After a tornado destroys the Gale family farm, 11-year-old Dorothy goes missing. As the days pass by, the Gales are increasingly terrified the worst has happened. But when the girl turns up unharmed four days later, the townsfolk breathe in a sigh of relief. That is, until Dorothy herself relates her account of the events that took place after her disappearance. 

In vivid detail, Dorothy describes a fantastical land and its magical inhabitants, from the scarecrow, the tin man, and the cowardly lion to the wizard and the witch. Her recollections are not only regarded as delusional, but also as pagan and diabolical in nature, especially when the body of a local spinster is found. Making connections between the evil witch Dorothy claims to have defeated and the ill-tempered old crone, authorities find what they believe to be incriminating evidence, sentencing Dorothy to the Topeka Insane Asylum.  

When 28-year-old psychologist Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford arrives at the asylum to interview Dorothy, she begins to wonder if Dorothy truly committed the crime or if something unfathomable has really occurred. 

In a small town full of insidious secrets, will Evelyn be able to save Dorothy from her terrible circumstances? Or is something menacing lurking just out of sight? - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

There were several things about this book that caught my eye and piqued my interest with a desire to read it. The title and synopsis reminded me of a "movie" I had seen a trailer about, that seemed sort of along the same idea, and I wanted to read a version of the possibilities that took place after the famous book and movie of "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. 

In short, the story starts pretty much near the end of what we know of the original story, but with a little more realistic twist. We find Dorothy survived the tornado, with the unrealistic story of 'Oz'. Then the suspected murder of the local spinster is placed on Dorothy, due to her tale of melting a witch. Dorothy is placed in a  mental asylum, where our MC, a female psychologist, meets her, and the story goes on to the details our MC faces over the course of a few short days in trying to prove Dorothy's innocence.

This was a very interesting read, as so many details of the time period were placed that provided a good background. The year being 1896, in Kansas, which I believe is part of the 'Bible Belt', so very strong religious views and following. A small town that has it's secrets. The misnomer that female doctors of any type were basically taboo. Throw in some of the plot twists, and it turned into a very good reading.

I had not read any previous works by McAlpine, but I see there are a few. I have looked at a couple and they seem to be of a similar type to this novel, and the twisted reality of what could be. I hope to be able to read them as well. Would definitely recommend this novel for those that enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and plot twist with a possible alternate reality.

Book Review: "Fortress of Crows" by Daniel Colter

 Another blood-thirsty thriller set during the Crusades! For fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron.

A scroll worth killing for…

The Judean Desert, 1186

Finn of Struan, a Templar knight, has orders to find the Copper Scroll, a relic describing where priceless treasures from Solomon’s Temple were hidden away.

He is also charged with protecting a relic hunter, one who procures religious relics, as she unravels the tangled web of clues held in the ancient text.

But rival relic hunters also hunt the scroll. And their leader, Le Scélérat, the Evildoer, will stop at nothing to get it.

Greed rules the hearts of many, turns friend against friend, and Finn’s quest soon becomes a bloody fight filled with deceit and death.

Will he and his loyal Brothers survive murderous enemies? Can Finn complete his quest?

Or will Templar bones rot in the bleak wastes of the Judean? - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

It has been a short time from the end of the first book in this series. Some of the characters from the first book have been reassigned to other sectors/divisions, but our main character is pretty much still doing what he was originally. This time, new orders have come down for his men to accompany some relic hunters, whilst also being chased by some evil goons,

At first I was a bit hesitant to start on this story. Why would the Templars want to help relic hunters? Ohhhh, right. The Templars were moneylenders, and everybody likes gold, except our main character. Either way, he has his duty to follow, thus he does. This is the first time we see how it might have been being in close contact with females for the Templars. As one would expect, there become some strong emotional feelings, that God and Duty must make our MC abstain and be the solid character he is.

World building was as good as the first book, though I think this one centered more in a certain area. The caverns I have no clue about, and the story about the Jews and Romans fighting there... no idea if true or not. Sounds very possible though. Again, there is plenty of action going on, and loss of lives, and injuries that seem impossible to overcome. Definitely was still a good read, and I would look forward to future books in this series.

Book Review: "Brotherhood of Wolves" by Daniel Colter

 

Join the Brotherhood in a thrilling adventure set during the Crusades! For fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron .

The enemy strikes from within…

Jerusalem, 1177

The Holy City is in Christian hands and the Sultan Saladin has vowed to retake her, whatever the cost.

Two faiths are warring over sacred ground. It is within this feverish hotbed that Finn of Struan, a young knight dedicated to the Templars, is stationed.

Finn’s world unravels when his mentor, Robert of Saint Albans, murders a brother in cold blood. Worse, Robert joins the Devil himself — Saladin.

The foul deeds stain the Templar name and Finn is tasked with killing Robert, a man with a mind sharper than any sword.

But as Finn slips into enemy territory, he finds the hunter has become the prey…

As Templar fights Templar for control of the Holy City, can Finn avenge his dead comrade? Will the Brotherhood prevail?

Or will Saladin’s army emerge victorious? - from Goodreads.com

This is the first book in this new series. My attention had gotten caught on the second book, and decided I needed to go back and read the first one so I would be lost in possible story references. I am not usually one for historical type fiction (mystery or fantasy) but do love what feels to be a good action novel, as this book turned out to be.

Pretty much this whole story seemed believable, like it was recorded in a scroll and recently found. World building was authentic to my knowledge of the middle east areas in the late 1100's, and the Crusades were happening. Even my basic knowledge of Templar lore seemed to cover all facts. Though, there isn't much regarding Templars in the story, as our characters are sent on a mission 'undercover'. Overall I thought it very well-written and found it to be a very enjoyable read.

Book Review: "The Last Templar" by Boyd and Beth Morrison

The thrilling new historical adventure from New York Times bestselling author Boyd Morrison and expert medievalist Beth Morrison. Fox and Willa find themselves on a dangerous quest for the treasure of the Templar Knights.

A Perilous Quest. A Deadly Legacy.

Italy, 1351. English knight Gerard Fox and the resourceful Willa have come through a death-defying journey across war-torn Europe. Now looking towards their future together, they must first find a way to reconcile with their difficult pasts.

In a small village between Florence and Siena, Fox and Willa are caught up in a deadly ambush. After rescuing the enigmatic woman who is the target of the attack, they take refuge in her opulent villa and learn her heartbreaking story – a tale of loss, deception... and a burning desire for freedom.

Soon, Fox and Willa are involved in a perilous quest to save her family's legacy... and to do so, they will have to solve a mystery that points the way to the fabled lost treasure of the Knights Templar. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC through Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased opinion.

This continues the travels of Fox and Willa from the first novel. From the description above, you see they get involved in an attack that finds them fleeing with a woman they believe being attacked. Their "duty" they feel to help those in need surely would not fit in modern society, one could think. With their assistance, this Lady reveals a 40 year secret regarding the possible location of the riches held by the Templar bank, and the proof of a traitor that helped bring about the fall of the Templars.

There is quite a bit of traveling around Italy, and being an American, I don't know much of the country, or its rich history. The Morrisons have brought modern day architectural monuments, and recorded fact history to bring a detailed setting(s) that fictionally took place over 600 years ago. They have done a wonderful job creating not only an informative environment, with detailed description for imagining, but have kept the reader's attention (read: mine) with the adventure of the 'chase for gold'. Overall the book reminded me of a well-researched Clive Cussler novel, which is not a bad thing! Will eb watching for more possibly to come....?