Girl at the Grave

by Teri Bailey Black

Valentine Deluca has learned to study hard, keep her head down and try to stay as invisible to the others at Drake’s Academy as possible.  She’s only able to attend the school through the generosity of a mysterious benefactor.  It’s her final year and she’s not sure what the future holds for her.  Her past is certainly dark enough.  Living with and looking after her father in the once grand home of her mother.  A mother who was hanged for the murder of Rowan Blackshaw’s father when Valentine was a small child.  Is that what he sees when he looks at her?  A murder’s daughter? The day the vicar approaches her and quietly tells her he thinks her mother was innocent sets Valentine’s life on a road she never thought she would be traveling. 

Black offers up a dark gothic tale of vengeance, betrayal and romance that will hook teens from the beginning.  She delivers up a story of a strong young woman bent on setting the record straight regardless of the powerful people who try to stop her.  She is a survivor and readers will celebrate her courage.  This is a good ‘fall into, escape from reality’ reading while addressing issues of self-worth, courage, confidence and honesty. A definite purchase for libraries.

#GirlAtTheGrave  #NetGalley

I wish to thank the publisher and NetGalley for access to the digital Advanced Reader's Copy for my honest review.

PUB: Macmillan-Tor/Forge

PUB DATE:  August 7, 2018

ISBN:  9780765399489

Genre:  Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery      

Deepest Grave

by Jeri Westerson

Like any detective, Crispin Guest is always looking for his next case.  When Father Bulthius comes to him with the incredible story of phantoms carrying off bodies from the graveyard he can’t pass it up.  Soon he and his apprentice are witness to this strange sighting as well.  As he begins his investigation, he is asked to take on another investigation.  It involves the seven-year-old son of a prosperous merchant who is being accused of murdering a neighbor and stealing a priceless relic.  The case is difficult and made more so by the fact his former lover is the mother of the young boy.  Time is running out for the boy and for Crispin.  For as long as he is involved with the boy, the emotion he has banked deep within his heart is threatening to go into full flame.  

I’ve never read any of Westerson’s Crispin Guest mysteries. I like historical mysteries but don’t usually go back as far as the 1300s.  The historical detail feels well researched and the characters realistic.  The plotting of the story is nicely paced and the surprise twist at the conclusion was very gratifying.  Those who enjoy their mysteries without all the bells and whistles of the modern detection field will find this a satisfying read.

I wish to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an Advanced Reader’s Copy for my honest review. 

PUB:  Severn House

PUB DATE:  August 1, 2018

ISBN:  9780727887948

Genre:  Historical Mystery           

Tiffany Blues

by M J Rose

Set against the backdrop of 1924 New York, Rose has created a beautiful story using color and the bohemian lifestyle of artists and speakeasies as her canvas to create a portrait of Jenny Bell, a gifted artist whose dream is to paint light.  Try as she may, Jenny only creates in monochromatic tones.  Minx Deering wants to help her break out of this pattern by secretly applying for a special artist symposium at Laurelton Hall, the magnificent estate of Louis Comfort Tiffany.  Surrounded by the beautiful furnishings of the mansion, the beautiful gardens and the promise of love, perhaps Jenny can put aside her past and become the artist of her dreams.  Jenny is amazed when Tiffany selects her to model and wear a suite of his newest design of jewelry at an exclusive party.  Little does she know that this wonderful and exciting event will possibly be the unraveling of her life as she knows it.  

Rose’s prose truly paints a wonderous landscape using the color of words and emotions.  I have read several novels by Rose and I believe this is at the top of my list.  The research she put into the background of Louis Comfort Tiffany and his estate make you want to hop in your car or jump on a plane and go visit this amazing place of color.  Sadly, it no longer exists but you can still walk the halls and grounds through this novel.  The wonderous renditions of this lost estate almost overshadow the mystery at the heart of the book.  This is excellent story telling. 

I wish to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for providing an Advanced Reader’s copy for my honest review.

PUB:  Atria Books/Simon and Schuster

PUB DATE:  August 7, 2018

ISBN:  9781501173592

Genre:  Fiction/Historical Fiction/Historical Mystery