Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Whistle of Revenge by KD Sherrinford is a captivating historical mystery that draws inspiration from the world of renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and the talented Irene Adler, set against the evocative backdrop of Milan, Italy. Jack Stapleton is a man consumed by revenge, and he will do anything to achieve it. So, with the help of the Italian mafia, he kidnaps Holmes’s son as part of Operation Whistle. The abduction of Nicco shatters the idyllic life that Sherlock and Irene have enjoyed after years of marriage and shared adventures. The narrative follows their journey from the romantic serenity of a Venetian holiday to the dark and dangerous pursuit of the kidnappers, revealing a web of betrayal, espionage, and revenge. Can they rescue their son and unravel the dangerous web of crime and intrigue?

KD Sherrinford is a gifted storyteller. This author creates a tale of mystery filled with suspense and intrigue. The setting is meticulously detailed and stunningly executed. The author infuses a sense of the ominous in the setting, especially Venice and Milan, and also captures the cities’ allure. The characterization is excellent with Sherlock, a brilliant detective who has emotional flaws, and his wife, Irene, depicted as wise and consistent. The tension escalates as the conflict deepens, involving kidnappers with hidden motives, a web of deceit involving the criminal underworld, and personal betrayals that threaten to destroy Sherlock and Irene. The Whistle of Revenge is a well-delivered mystery that is as suspenseful as it is emotionally resonant.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

An Improbable Scheme by Laura Beers follows Lady Elsbeth Caldwell, who suspects her stepfather, Alfred Stockton, is hiding secrets, possibly connected to her father’s death. Disguised as a highwaywoman, she mistakenly intercepts Niles Drayton, the Earl of Westcott, drawing him into her dangerous pursuit. As Elsbeth digs deeper, she uncovers coded meetings, financial schemes, and attempts on her life, including a near-fatal shooting and a falling planter. Her cousin Charles pressures her into marriage to access her dowry, while Alfred grows increasingly evasive. Throughout, Elsbeth’s tentative alliance with Niles grows as he offers aid, challenges her choices, and becomes something of a protector. After recovering a key, searching Alfred’s desk, and witnessing a clandestine meeting between Alfred and her late father’s solicitor, Elsbeth resolves to follow her mother and Alfred to a village meeting, convinced they hold the final pieces to a dangerous conspiracy surrounding her father’s death and her inheritance.

“I will not run. Not yet. There are still too many unanswered questions. But if I do decide to leave, it will be because I choose to, not because I’m being forced.” An Improbable Scheme by Laura Beers is a fantastic tale set in the Regency era, and our protagonist, Elsbeth, is a refreshingly unconventional heroine with a sharp wit. As a “girl dad,” I am always looking for reads that reflect stronger stories, factual or fictional, driven by women, and Elsbeth's refusal to be defined by societal norms totally fits the bill. The evolving connections between the characters come about in brilliant, cinematic scenes, including a pheasant shoot gone awry and a stolen moment of trust. The dialogue feels natural, and Beers' ability to spin all the plates without dropping a single one is a testament to her skill as a writer. With its beautifully drawn setting, machinations, and spirited characters, An Improbable Scheme serves up an enjoyable read with a little romance, a lot of mystery, and loads of female-forward high jinks. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mimie Odigwe for Readers' Favorite

Jax and Laura Diamond, along with their dog, Ace, travel to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. As they cross the threshold of their exquisite hotel bedroom, they discover something strange on the bed. They find a skeleton, a nonsensical riddle, a gold cross, and a lone peanut. Their friends Lieutenant Tim and his wife Clara soon arrive to help solve the case. The remains belong to a cold case from ten years before, and all leads point to their friend Orin, who had arranged their honeymoon. As more bodies turn up at the bottom of Niagara Falls, the group has to decipher the riddle, save their friend, and somehow still enjoy their honeymoon in Wildcard by Gail Meath.

The eighth book in the Jax Diamond Mysteries, Wildcard is a stand-alone with no cliffhangers and an exhilarating journey. With only 24 hours to solve the case, tension mounts, and the turns get more twisted, keeping the detectives on their toes and readers guessing. Laura and Clara are not docile characters who sit back in horror. They are at the center of the action, working with their husbands and helping crack the riddle and arrest the murderer. Etta is a lovable character. She is chatty, elegant, and a godsend to the team. Wildcard is set amongst various tourist sites in Niagara Falls and the historical Clinton Hotel. The accompanying images helped me visualize each location and added to the thrills of a honeymoon gone awry, secrets from the past, an unpredictable plot, and a lovely dog. Gail Meath will stun readers with this historical murder mystery.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

In Justice for Emerson, Karen E. Osborne presents a cast of characters that crosses many cultural lines, highlighting past and existing taboos between Black and White Americans, especially in the realm of relationships. Aria is a plucky Black woman striving to make a difference in a White, male-dominated world. Her focus is on using a struggling charitable trust to influence the circumstances of those suffering from poverty and a lack of opportunity. But when she finds a quiet and reliable volunteer murdered at her shelter, she confronts his killer and fights back, putting a target on herself. Emerson’s death seems to have no explanation. Who would kill a homeless recovering addict who’d turned his misfortune into the fuel needed to help others? Ordinarily, no one would care about the death of an insignificant and invisible man. But Aria cares and, in seeking justice for Emerson, she uncovers a conspiracy with roots stretching back over fifty years.

Justice for Emerson is fast-paced, with snappy dialogue and raw honesty. It’s packed with valuable historical information about the US involvement in the Vietnam War, the political temperature amongst the active forces, and the devastation felt by Black soldiers at the assassination of Martin Luther King and JF Kennedy. It gives a perspective of abandonment, which I had never truly recognized before, and provides an understanding that I will take away with me. Karen E. Osborne’s clever threads connect two generational stories from the past to the present and span over fifty years, culminating in the murder of an unassuming man. The main character of Aria is compassionate, vulnerable, and smart while being heartbroken and filled with self-recrimination. The tangle of the love triangle between Aria, Jax, and Errol is a clever reflection of the historical one between Mo, Emerson, and Kiki decades earlier. And fate, coincidence, and rotten bad luck bring a fifty-year mystery forward to the present day.

Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite

Murder in Moonlight is a cozy mystery/sweet romance by Mary Lancaster. Solomon Grey arrives at a house party and discovers London madam Constance Silver parading as the widowed Mrs. Goldrich on the arm of the host and hostess’s son. He soon discovers that just as he is there to determine if the host, Mr. Winsom, kidnapped his twin brother many years ago, she is there to discover if Mr. Winsom is her father. Instead, together, they find Mr. Winsom dead with a knife sticking out of his back in the garden. With Solomon toeing the lines of propriety and Constance flinging her profession in his face, will they be able to work together to help the police solve the case?

Murder in Moonlight is a Victorian-era plunge into intrigue. Constance and Solomon are strong leading characters supported by a plethora of interesting secondary murder suspects. Even the police inspectors are strong characters and do not bungle the case. I find it refreshing that Mary Lancaster has police who are not reduced to idiotic stereotypes while, at the same time, she used Mr. Grey and Ms. Silver to help them solve the murder more quickly. The plot is developed logically, with each suspect being interviewed by both the police and the main characters, with only a few being ruled out by the end reveal. It was interesting to see how the police took clues given to them by Constance and Solomon and further investigated those leads to develop them. The book was fast-paced, and I read it in a single sitting. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Laura R. Brush for Readers' Favorite

Current of Darkness is a captivating work of historical fiction set in the golden era of the Gilded Age, highlighting the dazzling tumult of America's late 19th century. In this suspenseful story by the supremely talented Robert Brighton, two formidable women must gather their inner strength and ingenuity, put aside personal conflicts, and navigate the treacherous waters of society on the brink of the new century. The author weaves a dynamic and enthralling story which takes place in the glittering heart of Niagara Falls where the bold spirits of female pioneers confront backstabbing corporate maneuvers. Brighton transports readers to a time of immense wealth, technological innovation, and social upheaval, and paints a vivid picture of a nation on the cusp of profound change.

The writing is both engaging and evocative; the gripping plot enmeshes readers with beautifully crafted prose. The characters are complex and compelling, reflecting the ambition, greed, and moral dilemmas of the era. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps the reader guessing until the explosive ending. But what truly sets Current of Darkness apart is the author's remarkable knowledge of the Gilded Age. The historical details are meticulously examined, from the descriptions of opulent mansions to the depictions of emerging industries. The era’s social dynamics, including the stark contrast between the extremely wealthy and the struggling lower classes, are portrayed with nuance and insight. Current of Darkness is more than just a novel - it's a vivid journey into a pivotal epoch in American history. Robert Brighton's passion for the subject shines through every page, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the Gilded Age and its lasting impact.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Faythe Wentworth and her family moved to North Hinkapee, owned by Miles Downing and his family. The impoverished Wentworth family leased land from the Downing family, where they settled and lived peacefully. However, things took a turn for the worse when the Downing twin boys raped Fathye’s younger sister, Chloe. The situation became complicated because Martha, Miles’ wife, took her mandate to protect the Downing legacy seriously. Her boys could not face the law if she wanted to maintain the life of affluence she enjoyed. Martha unleashed an arsenal of misfortunes on the Wentworth family, which led to irreparable damage. Faythe Emily Wentworth swore not only justice but vengeance! Faythe had neither money nor power, so how could she take down the Downing family and its cronies? Find out in Faythe of North Hinkapee by James T. Hogg.

James T. Hogg sets Faythe of North Hinkapee in seventeenth-century colonial America. In those days, it was the norm for women to remain silent and not speak up. This book centers on three formidable women (Nununyi, Faythe, and Martha) and how they disrupted the status quo. The themes explored include greed, loyalty, betrayal, deception, love, crime, and vengeance. The story knocked me sideways with its action and suspense. It was also thought-provoking because each character left me with questions. Where does the line blur between being patient with one’s spouse and becoming a doormat? Do children hate the weak-willed parent? Why do they align with the stronger parent regardless of their cruelty? I saw this pattern repeat from Martha’s parents to her son, Matt. Did the power dynamics in their parents’ relationships contribute to them being psychopaths? I felt it was a lesson that parents should never stay in toxic situations for the sake of their children because it will backfire.

Faythe was also an intriguing character through whom I saw the power of worthy relationships. She had no wealth but leveraged people like Merten, Tommy, Nununyi, Jens, Julie, Remembrance, Jones, Menon, and other allies. No matter how busy our lives are, we must learn to build a community of quality people. They are gifts. We need more Mrs. Wormers who create safe spaces for women. She was strict but kind and one of my favorite characters. Nununyi was another character I loved. She knew how to care for loved ones and was level-headed. Miles was an absolute waste of oxygen. I could not deal with such a level of weak will and playing the ostrich. How could anyone live like that? Everyone should read this book, especially lovers of historical stories. The characters, world-building, and storyline were superb. I felt the depth and emotions of this story and can attest that James is a brilliant writer. Thank you for a beautiful book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Anna’s Shadow is a dramatic and personal work of women’s fiction penned by author Ingrid McCarthy. Set in Europe during both the present day and the events of World War Two and the German occupation, this unusual novel chronicles a story inspired by real events. When Doctor Sofia Rossi takes some leave from work, she finds herself in Verona and decides to join a ‘Juliet Club', acting as an agony aunt for those seeking romantic advice. One of her letters leads her to Luke Miller, an elderly man with issues he needs to resolve. Luke’s sudden arrival in Verona takes Sofia on a mysterious exploration of Europe’s tragic past, questioning the nature of passion, life, love, and loss.

Author Ingrid McCarthy has crafted a relatively quick read that still packs an emotional and atmospheric punch. As a fan of historical and wartime fiction in general, I really appreciated the attention to detail in recalling the harrowing experiences of those who lived under German occupation, as well as the way Luke’s memories come to life with powerful emotive hindsight. Sofia is an intelligent and relatable heroine of whom women’s fiction readers can be proud, fully realized and fleshed out so it feels as though you’re reading the story of a dear friend. The central mystery of the plot is also well constructed, giving us just the right amount of information at a time to keep the intrigue going. Overall, Anna’s Shadow will make a dramatic and thoughtful impact on its readers and is a highly recommended book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Deadly Kin: A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant is the fourth book in the Alec Halsey Mystery Series, preceded by Deadly Engagement, Deadly Affair, and Deadly Peril. In this installment, which reads as a standalone, Lord Alec Halsey and his wife, Selina, are enjoying the comforts of wedded bliss and expecting their first child. News of the disappearance of Hugh, the errant teenage son of a family in Alec's employ—the steward of Deer Park, Paul Turner—and a discovery under the flagstones on his Kent property brings a quiet that has only been intermittently disturbed by groundwork to an end. News of a secret regarding his uncle and father throws everything Alec thought he knew about his family history into doubt. “And there's more, a lot more, but that'll have to wait for another day.”

Lucinda Brant offers up another Alec Halsey triumph with Deadly Kin, tightening the threads of an intricately woven quilt that is Lord Halsey's life. The historical detail is stunning and the overlapping mysteries allow for a balance of Georgian beauty and trademark Brant tension on every page. In Deadly Peril, we learned how imperfect the perfect Alec actually was, but Deadly Kin digs deeper into the Halsey past and brings forth some dark secrets that his Uncle Plantagenet (and who else remains to be seen) has guarded closely for Alec's entire life. This book ranks in the top three I have read all year and I am officially a die-hard fan of the Alec Halsey Mystery Series.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Kelsey Outrage: The Crime of the Century by Alison Louise Hubbard is based on a true story. Cathleen Kelsey had long protected her eccentric Bohemian poet of a brother, but when Charles Kelsey doesn’t come home one night, Cathleen discovers that he has been wrongly accused of molesting a girl and has been tarred and feathered. Cathleen thinks Sam Royals, the girl’s wealthy fiancé, is behind it and decides to investigate for herself when she decides that the police aren’t up to it. Successful as a detective, Cathleen uncovers evidence that points elsewhere, but she’s up against some powerful people who don’t want the truth coming out. Will she clear Charles’ name, or will his name be forever tarred and feathered, like he was?

The Kelsey Outrage: The Crime of the Century by Alison Louise Hubbard is adapted from a true story and is very well written. Alison carried out a great deal of research on the original crime, looking into every aspect to prepare herself to write this book. It’s a story of love and lies that digs deep into the truth, discovering buried evidence and a story of the lengths people will go to cover something up. Although it is based on a true story, it is fiction and has an amazingly strong female protagonist, a woman who will stop at nothing to get to the truth. All the characters are equally well-developed, each with a story to tell, and the tale is told from several perspectives. This is an excellent book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to more from an author with a real flair for storytelling.