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.

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.