Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

It's a slow day at the office for Kit Comfort at the Comfort and Company detective agency until Dina Harris walks into her life and offers her an assignment. She wants the company to track down her fiance who has been missing ever since he got on a train in Chicago. What Kit does not know is the simple matter of finding a missing partner is about to put her in the crosshairs of competing interests that span international boundaries. An escaped Nazi prisoner of war, A World War Two veteran with a bad case of memory loss, and a traveling radiologist are all on the cards as Kit and Henry race against time to find their man in A.D. Price's After The Blue, Blue Rain.

After The Blue, Blue Rain is a mystery novel by A.D. Price. Set in post-World War Two America, the storyline carries undertones of the prohibition era and the paranoia that engulfed the country at the end of the war. What impressed me was the way two seemingly unrelated plots with varied themes such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and crime are blended into a single fluid story. The character development is simple yet thorough, adequately covering how Kit got into her unusual position as the head of an investigative firm. What I would consider the icing on the cake is the way Price interprets events from Klaus' viewpoint. This is an exciting tale with a fast-paced plot that followers of the mystery genre will find too appealing to put down. An excellent detective story.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

For as long as Bonita could remember, life on Captain William Richardson’s hacienda Sausalito, Yerba Buena, had been good. However, it suddenly became rocky after Captain Richardson’s sister Hannah committed suicide. First Bonita realized that she was not the captain’s niece as she had been told and that perhaps her whole life had been a lie. Then followed the captain’s problems with General Vallejo –the comandante general of Alta California. It only gets worse for Bonita when Captain Richardson begrudgingly sends her away to the Vallejo household to save his marriage. This was only the beginning of the trouble heading his way, with corrupt and greedy Mexican businessmen after his wealth. It was also the start of Bonita’s quest for answers concerning her identity and her parents. The prevailing system of patriarchy hampered Bonita’s efforts to find the truth. What would happen next? Get yourself Bonita: A Tale of Early California by Carl. R. Brush to discover more.

Carl. R. Brush’s Bonita is just what lovers of slow-burn historical novels with a touch of drama and mystery should be looking for. Brush had me hooked on this page-turner with an intriguing plot featuring an amazing array of protagonists. This is a compelling tale of deception, lust, greed, torture, injustice, love, blackmail, secrets, spying, and patriarchy. He kept me on edge with adventure and suspense. The vivid descriptions transported me back in time to the early 1800s in California. The author provides a culturally nuanced glimpse into the daily lives of the different classes of men and women of that era. He has a knack for capturing the mood and setting with accuracy. This made me feel as if I was right there watching the scenes unfold. Bonita was an immensely intelligent, loving, caring, and fierce girl with a big heart. Bonita is a magnificent piece of work and I loved it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Under A Dark Moon is a work of fiction in the romance, historical, and suspense sub-genres, and was written by author Stella Riley. In the second novel in the Brandon Brothers series, we find ourselves focused on Adam Brandon, who is about to be offered the position of a lifetime working in a covert operation for the Crown. Unfortunately, or so it seems at first, this exciting new life comes attached to Camilla Edgerton-Foxe, a recently jilted young woman with a tongue as sharp as her mind. But, as suspicions around the smugglers at the coast grow, Camilla and Adam prove their equal worth in getting to the dark truth of the matter and draw all the closer for it.

Author Stella Riley has crafted an intricate and enjoyable romantic mystery novel that beautifully embodies all the graces and drama of the Georgian period, as well as many of its darker shadows. It is very much a novel of two major strands, swaying at first between the interpersonal drama of the prickly Camilla and the somewhat directionless but ultimately very charming Adam, and the deeper plot of espionage, subterfuge, and the machinations formed by a fantastically penned criminal mastermind of the smuggling world. The dialogue was also exceedingly well balanced to be accessible and easily read by modern audiences, whilst also giving flavors of the time, and balancing Adam’s more gender-equal thinking in a convincing fashion. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Under A Dark Moon to fans of historical romance with plenty of substance to match its style and enjoyable male leads who are not bound to the toxic traditions of their times.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

The moment I saw the author’s name I knew this was a book that I just had to download, read, and review. I admit to being a big fan, plus the description for Tainted Wine by Linda Watkins was irresistible. A Californian vineyard producing internationally acclaimed wine, a body found at night, and the suspect’s prints on the corkscrew that ended the life of Hernandez. The law firm engaged by the family to defend the young woman who stands to inherit instructs Steve Daniels, a fledging lawyer, to investigate the background and gather evidence to help them win the case. But what if Daniels’ discovery condemns the accused? What if she has left a trail of deaths behind her to date, not one of which was seen as anything other than a series of accidents? Everything Daniels discovers looks bad for the firm’s client, and then there is a twist that turns the case on its head. Daniels has no way out.

It is really difficult to review Tainted Wine by Linda Watkins without spoilers. I found myself turning the pages as fast as possible as the young lawyer's discoveries came thick and fast. I could see no way out for him. If he told the truth his career would be in ruins, but if he told the truth, it could ruin his life. I cared about Steven Daniels, the sign of an excellent writer that his character leaped off the page. I was cheering him on, especially when I couldn’t see how he could possibly extricate himself from the cruel web of lies that enveloped him. A great read. I shall be telling all my friends to buy this book as I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

The aftermath of the bubonic plague, dubbed the great pestilence, was a difficult time for everyone. It was especially tough for Appel and Efi, who lost their families to the plague. Lacking any means to feed her drunk husband and twelve children, Gritta faced a different obstacle. The trio decides to make a living by selling ale. However, in a male-dominated world, nobody tolerates three independent women. In the meantime, the women of Colmar are turning up dead. Although the Sheriff declares each death an accident, the alewives suspect that a more dangerous game is afoot. Can they convince the authorities that someone is murdering innocent women? Can they keep their little business afloat without male intervention? Why is a monk with unusual quirks suddenly interested in them? To know more, read The Alewives by Elizabeth R. Andersen.

In this slice-of-life novel set in the fourteenth century, Elizabeth R. Andersen transports us to an entirely different era. We get an authentic portrayal of how ordinary people lived. Andersen’s detailed and accurate descriptions, including the polluted water of the tannery, the public bathhouses, and the nightly reminders from the watchman to extinguish the fire, made the setting realistic. The novel opens our eyes to the plight of women at the time. An unmarried woman would be considered a sinner or accused of witchcraft, although no one would bat an eye if she faced domestic violence. While everyone quickly judged a woman for deviating from the set social norms, nobody cared if she died an unexpected death. I loved how Gritta, Appel, and Efi strived to create a place for themselves in such an adverse world. Their sharp business acumen, resourcefulness, and presence of mind helped them enormously. I loved their free spirits and the strong friendship that kept them together. Andersen has woven a thread of subtle humor into the storyline. Appel and Gritta’s playful banter and Efi’s antics kept me entertained. I recommend The Alewives to anyone wishing to read a perfect blend of a historical fiction novel and a cozy mystery.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

For the Minds and Wills of Men by Jeff Lanier is set in Cold War America and revolves around a WWII veteran and insurance agent named Will Oxley. Will specializes in art insurance and is drawn into a perplexing case when a privately owned Jackson Pollock painting lent to New York's Museum of Modern Art disappears. Famed as he is in the 21st century, the 1950s Pollock was an outsider to the mainstream public consciousness. His work is also physically oversized, making Will’s investigation stranger still. Will's relationship with the daughter of the painting's owner flourishes but the few clues he has point to Cold War politics and the woman he may be falling in love with.

Jeff Lanier constructs a wonderfully deep set of layers that intrigue and entertain in For the Minds and Wills of Men. I loved the complexity of Will’s character, whose memories of war still haunt him and whose PTSD, which was then unknown, drives his immersion into the art scene. More than just a clever play on words, the title acknowledges this and reminds readers that the space between what we want to do, can do, and must do is extremely hazy. Liz Bower and the family business feed into this brilliantly; her character quickly earns the distrust of readers who still hold hope. There is only so much crushing of the heart and soul that Will can take. So whichever way her fortune falls, we want it to turn out positively. From a literary standpoint For the Minds and Wills of Men is written beautifully, and I would give it a whole bucket of stars if I could. I very highly recommend this story.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Set in 1939, Tomboy: A Jane Benjamin novel by Shelley Blanton-Stroud follows Janie, a female reporter from San Francisco, as she juggles personal conflict and professional ambitions. Tasked with facilitating the career of Pat Shea, her college roommate's son, she also seeks to establish herself as a respected columnist. Her journey turns out to be a full confrontation of her past, encounters of financial hardship and the receipt of unexpected support from a diversity of characters. Janie ventures through various locales, from places like San Francisco to Chicago, and the RMS Queen Mary to Wimbledon. Janie is constantly involved in situations teetering between high-stakes drama and self-reflection. The Great Depression serves as a backdrop and adds to the complications. Janie's experiences with her fellow passengers on RMS Queen Mary provide her with an opportunity to investigate a possible crime while learning about the intricacies of human relationships and her own capacity for moral courage.

I love a good story about a flawed but strong female who is willing to go against the tide, and in Janie's sense, this is literal, in order to grab what she wants and take what she has earned. History has many of these women we know of and many more we do not, and in the spirit of those whose stories can never be told it is books like Tomboy by Shelley Blanton-Stroud that fill in those gaps. In addition to the tenacity of Janie, there is another woman later who is a perfect but deeply tragic example of what happens when men have the right and capacity to manipulate women, and on the ship when Janie realizes the men in charge lack essential knowledge. The writing is clean and tight and allows a reader to easily follow Janie's search for personal success, professional acknowledgment, and getting to the bottom of a mystery that could land her that job in New York. Janie is likable in her persistence and really relatable in her push to climb the social ladder. The Depression is a spectacular era for this. It's hard enough as a woman in the 1930s to be viewed as a success in her own right. It's harder when most of the population is struggling to feed their children. Rivka and Elsie are better off, somewhat, but stand out in this. Overall, Tomboy is a wonderful novel and I am now a solid fan of the Jane Benjamin series. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

The mighty castle of Moordym Downs, the seat of the Moordym family, lies beside an endless, misty moor. Locke’s mother would visit the castle once a year without fail. Although Locke had always refused to accompany her since he was five, this year, duty compels him to take her place. The trip, however, comes with unforeseen events, including hidden secrets and distressing truths. Yet, every time Locke contemplates leaving Moordym Downs, inexplicable circumstances hold him back. Who hates him enough to send a volley of arrows his way? Why is the moor reluctant to let him go? Can Locke ignore its persistent calls? Find out In Victoria Bastedo’s novel, Moordym Downs.

To say that the novel was engaging would be an understatement; it gripped me from the very first sentence. The storyline had a unique allure, further enhanced by the authentic portrayal of a bygone period. Victoria Bastedo did an excellent job of putting me in Locke’s shoes. I could relate to his frustrations, doubts, and recurring dilemmas. The depiction of the Moordym family dynamics was equally engaging. Bastedo deftly illustrated the subtly different nuances in Locke's chemistry with each Moordym. The ancient legend of the moor calling to the Moordyms conveyed a constant feeling of foreboding. The secrets of the moor, concealed under an impenetrable blanket of fog, added a mystical ambiance. Boasting an unknown yet deadly enemy, an anonymous threat, and a slight dash of romance, Moordym Downs is one of the best novels I have ever read.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

A Most Efficient Murder: A 1920s Country House Mystery by Anthony Slayton is the first book in the Mr. Quayle Mysteries. Lord Unsworth hosts a party that quickly becomes a mystery perfect gathering with red herrings, misleads, and scandalous secrets. Not to mention the body found in the garden. Lord Unsworth's castle grounds become the setting for a murder investigation which puts the Earl and his family in the spotlight with their secrets threatening to be exposed underneath the police's series of questions. The Unsworth reputation is on the brink of ruin, thanks to the scandal, but Lord Unsworth's secretary Mr. Quayle takes it upon himself to investigate and clear the family's name.

The mystery is written in a style that takes you back to 1929 with strong details, layered exposition, a charming sleuth, and societal drama. The story is reminiscent of the tone of classic mysteries which deliver suspects, clues, and questions around each corner. Mr. Quayle is a phenomenal character, serving the role as a regular Poirot with the secretary becoming a detective, thanks to the whims of his employer. He's described as a ready-in-waiting sleuth that finds inspiration from famous detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Arsene Lupin. The story shifts between Mr. Quayle's sleuthing and the investigative work of Constable Wells and Inspector Wintle who are digging into the affairs of this family, which threatens to expose them. Anthony Slayton excels at the small details that bring the mystery to life and characters that add charm against the 1920s backdrop. The historical details and mannerisms are spot-on, creating a step back into the past that is delightful. A Most Efficient Murder is clever, enjoyable, charming, and a must-read for all historical mystery lovers.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Northern Shadows (Northern Wolf Series Book 5) by Daniel Greene is a continuation of a series that revolves around the character of Captain Wolf of the Union Army during the American Civil War. At this point in the tale, the Union looks set to win the war, with the surrender of the great Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Captain Wolf and his men are, however, tasked with a vital and dangerous job; to protect President Lincoln from a possible assassination attempt. When Wolf discovers that his nemesis and arch-enemy Marshall Payne may well be in Washington and involved in the assassination plot, he is ready and raring to kill the man he has sworn revenge upon. From the battlefields of the Civil War to the streets of the U.S. capital, Wolf and his men must combat intrigue, double-dealing, and rebels of the highly secretive organization known as the Knights of the Golden Circle who are pledged to uphold the values of the South, the secession, and the right to own slaves. It will be a battle royale to try to protect the President from these men of deep conviction and callous disregard for life.

Northern Shadows was a fascinating read, especially as the focus was on Lincoln’s assassination, which was obviously a pivotal time in U.S. history. Not having read the earlier books in the Northern Wolf series, my first question is always does the author give sufficient background to the characters and the story to enable a reader to pick up this series at book five and enjoy it for its own story? The answer on this occasion is a resounding yes. Author Daniel Greene cleverly fills in the back story to the events and characters outlined in this iteration as the story progresses. The reader quickly comes to understand the reasons for the intense hatred of Marshall Payne and indeed Wolf’s solemn vow to kill the man. Wolf and his men are simple men from the U.S. heartland and it was a pleasure to read their introduction into the corridors of power and what passed for high society in the mid-1800s. The author does a superb job of developing and enriching the characters who form part of Wolf’s band and was certainly not afraid of endowing the main character with flaws of his own that just served to make him more human and less of a superhero. The action is constant, exciting, and full of drama. The author’s easy-going writing style makes this book a wonderfully relaxing read that any history aficionado can relate to and savor. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can highly recommend it.