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Speakeasy A Novel by Alisa Smith St. Martin's Press Thomas Dunne Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 10 Apr 2018 Review Speakeasy is far removed from the standard WWII era thriller. It is a novel that alternates between past and present and between voices. Lena, the central lead, is a code breaker with a shady past and an unfortunate history of choosing the wrong man. Byron, known as “By God” is a mild accountant seduced into the adventurous high speed life of being a gangs

THE PAJAMA FRAME A Madison Night Mystery by Diane Vallere Henery Press General Fiction (Adult) , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 27 Feb 2018 Review Are you mad for mod? If not, Diane Vallere’s newest cozy will have you taking a fresh look at retro fashion. Vallere’s heroine, Madison Night, is a 40 something decorator with a flair for all that is vintage modern - from her unique taste in clothing to her interior design. While many would label her quirky for her Doris Day aesth

Death of an Unsung Hero By Tessa Arlen St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 13 Mar 2018 Review In 1916 little was understood of the nature of ptsd or “shell shock” as it was called. In Death of an Unsung Hero, the plot centers around a group of young officers being treated at a hospital sponsored by the energetic Lady Montfort and administered by her capable friend, Mrs. Jackson. As you might expect, trouble comes in the form of the murder of a

Catching a Man (Valeriel Investigations Book 1) by Elizabeth Corrigan Elizabeth Corrigan Mystery & Thrillers , Sci Fi & Fantasy Pub Date 12 Nov 2014 Review The 1950s are reimagined in Elizabeth Corrigan’s debut mystery - Catching a Man. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but I was quickly swept up into the story. Kadin Stone became an investigator’s aid in order to find a husband - a necessity because in Valerial unmarried women must be virgins to have a career, and

Wagging through the Snow by Laurien Berenson Kensington Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 26 Sep 2017 Review If you love dogs and mysteries, you should take the time to read Laurien Berenson’s novels. She does a wonderful job portraying the unique personalities of dogs, in particular standard poodles. Wagging Through the Snow is a light mystery that s perfect for an evening relaxing with a cup of cocoa. The mystery isn't much of a puzzle, but that doesn't mean it isn't

The Ghost of Christmas Past A Molly Murphy Mystery by Rhys Bowen St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books Historical Fiction Pub Date 14 Nov 2017 Review Rhys Bowen’s newest Molly Murphy novel is an entertaining holiday mystery, offering a taste of early 20th century celebrations as well as an interesting plot. Unfortunately it isn't without problems. In The Ghost of Christmas Past, Molly Murphy Sullivan and her family accept an invitation to celebrate the holidays with the fam

Gin and Panic A Mystery by Maia Chance St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books Historical Fiction Pub Date 24 Oct 2017 Review The prohibition may be in full swing, but it doesn't put a damper on former socialite Lola Woodby’s pursuit of a good time and the objects she and her partner Berta are hired to retrieve. This time Berta and Lola are hired to retrieve a rhinoceros trophy from the mansion of big game hunter Rudy Montgomery. The situation is complicated by the discovery

Death at the Emerald A Frances Ffolkes Mystery by R. J. Koreto Crooked Lane Books Historical Fiction , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 07 Nov 2017 Review I’ve encountered few historicals as cleverly plotted as RJ Koreto’s Death at the Emerald. Lady France's Ffolkes is an innovator, a feminist who uses her position to challenge convention, just as her lady’s maid Mallow is the perfect servant - a supporter and confidant who pairs acceptable behavior with acting as Lady Frances’s

The Missing Masterpiece by Jeanne M. Dams Severn House Publishers Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 01 Sep 2017 Review Where Dorothy Martin goes, intrigue follows even on vacation in France. As Alan is incapacitated by a broken ankle, Dorothy ends up alone on her holiday. By chance, she meets a young volunteer who claims to be in search of music by Abelard. Coincidences happen, but it quickly becomes clear he isn't the only one searching for missing manuscripts. And what does

She Be Damned A Heloise Chancey Mystery by M.J. Tjia Legend Press Historical Fiction , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 01 Aug 2017 Review She Be Damned is a difficult book to read, not because of the writing which is excellent, but the troubling topics it addresses. Prostitutes are being killed, but more than that their sexual organs are mutilated and removed. The victims are pregnant young women and their victimization is horrifying. Mrs. Heloise Chancey is similar to the