Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Betrayal at Ravenswick by Kelly Oliver is the first book in the Fiona Figg Mystery series. Fiona Figg has kept her head held high after her husband returned from war and is soon discovered to be cheating on her with his secretary. Following the end of her marriage, she decides to make a change in her life and plunges into an exciting new opportunity when she takes a job as a spy for British Intelligence. When a murder occurs and British Intelligence believes a traitor is in their midst, Fiona goes deep undercover which brings her face to face with a war correspondent that's a primary suspect and against law enforcement that seems to have the wrong idea about who the killer could be.

Set against the backdrop of War World I, Kelly Oliver tackles the fine details of the era perfectly through Fiona's mannerisms, dialogue, and attitude. The story is lighthearted, keeping a general cozy mystery tone while providing a genuine emotional reality of war. The war elements are woven into the background, with various locations such as the War Office, British Intelligence, and the Charing Cross Hospital. Oliver includes North London Collegiate School for girls and the Royal Military Academy. The story also incorporates several references to prominent figures during this time which include Churchill and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Oliver has created an amazing setting by capturing this era perfectly and in a leading character in the form of Fiona who is delightful, and never fails to bring a snarky attitude and a quick wit. The highly entertaining undercover work finds her donning men's clothing and takes her deep into the investigation by bringing her into the lives of a variety of characters. This is a mystery that you will want to read again and again, and it will have you on the edge of your seat until the next one. Betrayal at Ravenswick is an engaging mystery with a vivid eye for details, a brilliant and intelligent female lead with a quick wit and perfect comedic timing, and an emotional backdrop that brings out the reality of the war, and captures the fun of being a British Intelligence spy.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Todd L. Shuler takes readers on a very fast ride with intense drama and action in Dew on Ginkgo Leaves: The Tigress and The General, an action novel that features two powerful warriors - Jade Flower, aka the Tigress, and the General, Yu Luan - battling an elusive organization that has only one purpose: to sink the empire. While there is a romance developing between the two lead characters, they have to remain focused while working through an intricate network of enemies to protect the interests of the empire. The plot gets interesting while they have to fight for a course and to protect a love that animates their spirits.

The author seems to understand the Chinese tradition very well and the top-notch fighting skills of the characters, their resourcefulness and teamwork are things that embellish the plot. The conflict is introduced from the very start of the novel and Todd L. Shuler wastes no time in creating action-packed scenes, and readers can feel their pulses rising as they read on. The sense of impending danger that precedes each scene makes the story one that is just right for a movie. The descriptions are clear and the writing polished, so readers can picture the characters clearly through every scene. The plot is fairly complex, but it is the focus on action that makes it exciting. Fast-paced with many insights into characterization, some interesting social commentaries, and humor, Dew on Ginkgo Leaves: The Tigress and The General becomes a breezy read, the thing you need when your spirits sink and you want to wake up. A highly entertaining story from a skilled storyteller.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

Storytellers by Bjørn Larssen revolves around Gunnar (a blacksmith), an uninvited/unknown guest, Sigurd, and a very strange community in Iceland. Gunnar is a very private person who doesn't like anybody other than his dog and his horse. He doesn't keep track of time, days, or dates. He is still mourning the death of his mother and father -- both long gone. Iceland has a prohibition on alcohol; however, Gunnar's medical condition gets him alcohol by doctor's orders. He doesn't like to accept it, but he is an alcoholic. Sigurd appears, almost out of nowhere, in Gunnar's forge, hands him all his money in exchange for some help with his hurt ankle. The pain in his ankle is so severe that he is almost immobile. To pass the time, he starts telling Gunnar a story. Considering the fact that Sigurd is dependent on Gunnar's care, he can't get rid of the unwelcome visitor yet. As if these problems weren't enough, a spinster is hellbent on marrying a very reluctant Gunnar. His patience is wearing thin, but there is nothing he can do to get rid of these people.

When I started reading the book, I was under the impression that the story Sigurd was telling was the main plot. It made me believe that whenever the author came back to the lives of Gunnar and Sigurd, it was only to provide readers with a distraction. However, soon I realized that it was part of the main plot. Bjørn Larssen, the author, merged both the parts to my amusement and intrigue. The characters of Sigurd's story were passionate, hard-working, outspoken, impulsive, and violent. Juana stole from her own family and ran with Arnar for love. Nonetheless, the idea of love soon appeared to be more fascinating than the reality of it. Gunnar's simplicity, unintentionally funny comments, and mood swings made him my favorite character. I highly recommend this genius book. Storytellers by Bjørn Larssen will entertain all patient readers, who enjoy taking time to read a well-written plot, understanding the characters, connecting the dots, and learning about the dark side of a human being.

Reviewed by Steve Leshin for Readers' Favorite

Sherlock Holmes and the Vampire Invasion by Suzette Hollingsworth brings a whole new perspective to the Holmes narrative with a romantic twist for the Great Detective. Mirabella Hudson, Sherlock Holmes' ‘detective in training’ is an inquisitive and resourceful young woman graced with intelligence and scientific curiosity in many ways equal to our favorite Victorian era detective. A younger Sherlock, not quite famous as yet, and Dr. Watson are called upon by older brother Mycroft Holmes to investigate the gruesome murder of Lord Percival. It seems Percival’s dead body had fang marks at the neck and his blood is completely drained. Holmes and Watson are on the case, despite Scotland Yard’s Police Constable Jones’s constant objections.

Sherlock Holmes and the Vampire Invasion is book four of The Great Detective In Love series. Author Suzette Hollingsworth manages to stay true to the classic characters in a manner that any Holmes fan can appreciate. The dialogue is witty in fine tradition with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style. However, it is the dynamic between Miss Mirabella Hudson, the 19-year-old relative of housekeeper Mrs. Hudson, and Sherlock Holmes that is fun and exciting. There is also a curious relationship between the Napoleon of Crime, Professor Moriarty, and Miss Hudson that sets this adventure apart from traditional Holmes mysteries. The story is a page-turner with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Miss Mirabella Hudson is a worthy addition, adding a layer of sexual tension for our consulting detective. A fun read. As Holmes would say, “Precisely.”

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Veil Removed is a work of historical murder mystery fiction penned by author Michelle Cox, and forms the fourth book in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series of novels, continuing the adventures of couple Clive and Henrietta in the recent historical world of pre Second World War. Their honeymoon ends in tragedy as Alcott, Clive’s father, passes away unexpectedly, but when the couple arrives back in Highbury it seems that the death may be far from natural. As the investigation gets underway, a further drama unfolds with Henrietta’s sister, Elsie, whose new direction at a women’s college takes her to an unexpected meeting with an intriguing figure with a murky past.

History fans will fall in love all over again with this latest instalment in a compelling historical drama to rival the likes of Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. Author Michelle Cox does a fantastic job of keeping the romantic spark alive between the already-established couple, giving them individual development as thrilling heroes, but also bringing them back together in times of crisis. I also really enjoyed Elsie’s storyline, and her dialogue and character development through education bring her to life in a whole new light as the novel develops. The atmosphere of England on the verge of war is superbly well described, setting the series up to continue into a darker, more intense chapter of history. Overall, A Veil Removed marks another triumph in a gorgeously romantic, but also seriously compelling mystery series that continues to enthrall its fans.

Reviewed by Heather Stockard for Readers' Favorite

Captain Jocelyn Avebury and Lady Catherine Claverton have absolutely nothing in common. He is a sailor in the Royal Navy and is of dubious parentage. She is the bitter daughter of an earl who needed a son but only got a crippled girl. Her mother died when she was young and her father, denied an heir and repulsed by Catherine’s badly twisted leg, sent her away to live on her own at age ten. Consequently, Catherine has grown up strong and independent and, against her father’s wishes, joined society in Bath. It is there she meets Avebury, a handsome sea captain with a mysterious past. The death of Catherine’s father brings to light a secret inheritance left to her by her mother. Catherine is the heir to an earldom in Wales. If she marries and bears a son, he will be an earl. Determined to save her mother’s family line, she proposes marriage to the wealthy Avebury. But suspicion, lies, and a murder investigation come between them. Love may not be enough to save them from the ghosts of the past.

The Portrait is beautifully written with interesting, intelligent characters and a captivating storyline. Catherine is a fascinating leading lady, quite unlike most romantic heroines. She is all contradictions: crippled but independent, strong but insecure, bitter but vulnerable. Avebury too is a well-rounded character. Cassandra Austen captures the atmosphere of eighteenth-century England quite brilliantly. Her descriptions of the people and the places are evocative, bringing to life her characters and settings. This book is a must-read for lovers of historical romance.

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

Espionage, treason, and romance make The Baron’s Daughter (The Beckett Files, Book 6) an enticing read. Laura Beers masters the mystique in British historical romance and adds this to her portfolio of books in the genre. Miss Josette is fulfilling a passion in her life, helping the girls who live in the slums of London. As the headmistress in a girls' school, she can give them skills that enable them to support themselves. Lord Morgan Easton is a British spy and is commissioned to identify and arrest the French spy, Genet. His first assignment is to convince Josette to pose as his wife and to accompany him to a house party, which they confirm Genet will attend. Morgan and Josette already have a history of working together, but their attraction commonly causes sparks that threaten to end their friendship, the mission, and the safety of their country.
 
Laura Beers created a unique series around spies that walked among the noble gentry in The Beckett Files. The sixth book in this series, The Baron’s Daughter is centered on an evil plot to unseat the king, kill the prince, and prepare the way for an exiled emperor to step in to reign. As the story unfolds, the complexity of Morgan and Josette’s relationship is tested, adding an intricate level to the plot. The author amazingly adds one dilemma after another, while keeping the identity of the French spy a mystery. As the plot develops, the author skillfully draws all the threads together, creating an exceptional novel. After finishing this impressive book, I found several more from this author that sounded just as enticing.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Naomi Finley continues to captivate the historical fiction audience with A Guardian of Slaves, the second book in her A Slave of the Shadows series. In 1851, near Charleston, Charles Hendricks dies in a carriage accident. Mr. Hendricks is survived by his daughter Willow, and his estranged brother, Ben. In the year since Charles’ death, Willow has taken on full responsibility of the Livingston Plantation, while Ben is in charge of the import and export business. However, there is another part of the Hendricks legacy to oversee; it is the secret tie that binds them together. The Livingston Plantation is a safe haven for those who seek refuge from the atrocities of slavery. Ben and Willow remain an intricate part of the Underground Railroad; many lives have passed through the family’s hands over the years. When the mysterious Silas Anderson purchases the property next door, tensions rise, especially between Willow and her longtime suitor. Willow and Bowden Armstrong are very much in love; however, love isn’t enough when the value of human life comes between you.

A Guardian of Slaves by Naomi Finley wrenches the heart with emotion. The narrative is written using Finley’s love of southern history and her personal life experiences. These two writing devices create inspirational characters within a realistic story. The narrative is written in the first person; however, the point of view changes from character to character. I really enjoyed this technique of writing; it gave an in-depth panoramic view by revealing the thoughts and intentions of different characters. The plot is not forced, nor does it become stagnant and, with a few surprising turns of events, it unfolds with delicate precision. The issue of slavery takes center stage. Held within the man versus man conflict lay witless traditions, confused loyalties, and the horrendous acts against humanity. However, harboring underneath this divergence is a story of love and devotion, proving, whether evil or good, the intentions of the heart make all the difference.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Just put a word like “Ripper” into the title of a mystery book, and you’re bound to attract interest from Jack the Ripper fans. But Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper by Ana Brazil is not about that dreaded murderer. Nor is it set in the darkened alleyways of old England. No, this historical fiction is set in the Irish Channel section of New Orleans in the late 1800s. As you join Fanny Newcomb and her unlikely fellow sleuths, Dr. Olive Giddings and her sister, Sylvia, in solving the heinous death of a young woman at the hands of this other Ripper, you will find yourself not only enjoying the challenge but also learning a great deal about the attitudes of men toward women way back then. Moreover, if you’re a modern day woman who is big on equality issues, don’t be surprised if you come away just a bit incensed at the narrow-minded male thinking you’ll encounter. But that will make you admire Fanny and her intelligent, resourceful team even more as they do what the men couldn’t do: identify the killer! After the police arrest Karl, whom the ladies are positive is not the Ripper, and the bloodthirsty mob is ready to string him up, Fanny, a prominent lawyer’s daughter, is so relentless in her attempt to save Karl from the gallows that the more she digs, the deeper she puts herself in danger. Her list of suspects is short, and the reader, like Fanny, has plenty of reasons to suspect any one of them. And that’s half the fun of reading this novel: will the one you picked out early in the story be the right one?

Ana Brazil has gone to a great deal of trouble to research her information on the life and times in late 1800s New Orleans, rife with prostitution, poverty, religious and cultural conflicts. She has supplied an extensive bibliography, and that accounts for the very authentic settings and attitudes in this story. Further, in a rather personal approach in the Afterword, Brazil supplies facts on which her historical fiction is based, along with giving the reader insight into how the characters of Fanny, Olive and Sylvia were created. This section is as interesting as the story itself. Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper is an excellent first novel, and going by the ending paragraph, one suspects Ana Brazil is possibly planning a sequel. I can actually see this developing into a TV series like the award-winning Canadian series, The Murdoch Mysteries. Has Ana Brazil set the stage for a similar series with this book? Only time will tell.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Lost Spy by Kate Moira Ryan is a Slim Moran Mystery story set in 1949 in Paris. Slim Moran is an American detective who has been hired to find a spy that is presumed to be dead. Slim and her Nazi hunter boyfriend run a detective agency called Pitchipol and business has been slow – until now. With Daniel off on the trail of another Nazi, Slim is left to deal with the case of Marie-Claire by herself and she soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery that is embedded in the last war. Now Slim is in a race against time – if she doesn’t find Marie-Claire, both of them could end up dead.

The Lost Spy (Slim Moran Mysteries) by Kate Moira Ryan is a thrilling tale set in post-war Europe. This story is full of historical facts and is written in a way that pulls you back in time. The story feels real, the characters are likable and well developed, and it’s a tale of mystery, spies, romance and lots of thrills along the way. There is plenty of action and many twists and turns, some that will have you on the edge of your seat. The historical side has been covered very well, adding substance to the story – it’s a story that most likely happened many times over after WWII. Shades of “Allo, Allo”, albeit a more serious than the TV show and a truly good read. I would say that if anyone is offended by lesbianism in any way, there are scenes set in a lesbian bar – nothing that I would consider offensive in any way though.