📖 Book Review ~ Stardust in Nuala by Harriet Steel

November 2022

The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #12

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

A celebrated Indian film company comes to Nuala, sprinkling its stardust over the quiet little town and keeping Inspector de Silva busy. With the end of the visit at last in sight, he looks forward to returning to a more peaceful existence, but a sudden death dashes his hopes. With Jane’s help and that of a new ally, he’s drawn into the turbulent affairs of a warring family. Meanwhile, a mysterious intruder is causing trouble at the Residence.

📖 My Review

There is great excitement in Nuala when an Indian film crew descends upon the town and of course, it falls upon Inspector de Silva to keep everything under control. However, even as the film crew are packing up to leave Nuala, the inspector is informed that there has been an unexpected death in the hotel where the main members of the cast have been staying. This mysterious death of one of the main actors opens up a whole set of mysterious circumstances and places several other members of the cast under suspicion. As always, this careful detective leaves no stone unturned, or wall unclimbed, in his quest to get to the bottom of this complex crime.

It's always a huge pleasure to return to Nuala and spend time in the company of de Silva and his lovely wife Jane as they quietly go about their lives in this beautiful part of what was once Ceylon. Set in 1941, the colonial atmosphere still persists although with the war raging in Europe there is definitely a hint of change in the air. The place and its people come alive especially with all the colourful sights, sounds and tastes which this author describes so thoughtfully. The mystery at the heart of this gentle crime story is beautifully explored and everything comes together in a satisfactory conclusion which I felt was entirely appropriate.

Whilst this is the twelfth novel in this cosy crime series it is perfectly possible to read as a standalone mystery although for greater enjoyment and to get to know the Inspector it is better to read the series from the beginning that way you get to spend time in this pretty little hill town with de Silva, his wife Jane, and their two cats Billy and Bella.

About the Author

Harriet Steel wrote four historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her blog to sign up to her monthly newsletter for news of new releases and great offers, Blog 

Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When Harriet is not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.

Twitter @harrietsteel1

Facebook page: Harriet Steel Author

 Website

Blog 

Amazon UK

 

📖 Featured Book of the Month ~ Notes of Change by Susan Grossey

In the autumn of 1829, the body of a wealthy young man is found dumped in a dust-pit behind one of London's most exciting new venues. Constable Sam Plank's enquiries lead him from horse auctions to houses of correction, and from the rarefied atmosphere of the Bank of England to the German-speaking streets of Whitechapel. And when he comes face to face with an old foe, he finds himself considering shocking compromises...

The new and highly organised Metropolitan Police are taking to the streets, calling into question the future of the magistrates' constables. Sam's junior constable, William Wilson, is keen, but what is an old campaigner like Sam to do when faced with the new force and its little black book of instructions?

📖 My Review...

Few reviews have given me as much pleasure to write than those of the Constable Sam Plank series of historical crime novels. I first started my journey in 2013 when a new author approached Jaffareadstoo to read and review, Fatal Forgery, the first book in a proposed seven book series. 

Always happy to give new authors a chance, I very quickly realised that this series was historical gold and have lost count at how many times I have recommended the books, delighting in each adventure and engrossed as soon as I opened the page at Chapter One. Getting to know Sam, his wife, Martha, and his assistant, William has been a joy, and as each subsequent story took me deeper into the mean and moody streets of Regency London, so I became engrossed in Sam's valiant quest for justice for the community which he serves so stoically.

So it was with an element of bitter-sweetness that I approached Sam's last adventure on the streets of London, a place which he has made pretty much his own. Notes of Change starts when Constable Plank and his assistant, William are called to investigate the mysterious death of a young man who has been found close to one of London's newest establishments. That there is something suspicious about this death is obvious and Sam's investigation will take him into the dangerous world of gambling and the heinous crime of counterfeiting. 

As with any last book in a long running series there is a sense of the tying up of loose ends, I was especially pleased to see the brief return of an old character, and with the formation of the newly formed Metropolitan Police Force there is definitely a change in the air for both Sam and William as each ponders their future.

Finishing the book with an air of sadness but also the satisfaction which comes from a story well told, I took the time to acknowledge the skill of this wonderfully talented author who has fed my imagination with bright and bold stories, rich in Georgian history, and ferociously alive with intrigue. Jaffareadstoo is especially honoured to have been quoted both on the inside of the books and also to be featured on a couple of the book covers.

Meticulously researched, and beautifully written as ever, I have no hesitation in making Notes of Change my Featured Book of the Month in June.

📖 Best Read with... tankard of dark ale and a generous slice Mrs Plank's rabbit pie.

About the Author

Discover more about Susan's writing and the world of Sam Plank

Website

Twitter @ConstablePlank

His Fic Saturday....Heir Apparent by Susan Grossey

On Hist Fic Saturday

Let's go back to ...London,1829

A young man returns to London from the family plantation in the Caribbean after an absence of six years to be at his father’s deathbed – and to inherit his estate. But is the new arrival who he says he is, or an impostor? Anyone who doubts his identity seems to meet an untimely end, but his sister swears that he is her beloved brother.With their investigations leading them into the complicated world of inheritance law and due process after death, Constable Sam Plank and his loyal lieutenant William Wilson come face to face with the death trade and those who profit from it – legally or otherwise. Among them is an old enemy who has used his cunning and ruthlessness to rise through the ranks of London’s criminal world. And, in this sixth novel in the series, it’s now 1829: as plans progress for a new police force for the metropolis, Sam and his wife Martha look to the future. 

What did I think about it..

It’s always such a treat to kick off my shoes, brew a large cup of my favourite Darjeeling tea, and relax with the latest Sam Plank adventure, safe in the knowledge that I am about to enter into the life of this most intriguing of constables in another well imagined historical crime adventure. Heir Apparent is now the sixth book in the series and Sam and his wife, Martha are as familiar as old friends, as indeed, is young constable, William Wilson, who we have witnessed coming into his own in the last few stories.

In this penultimate book in the series, Plank and Wilson face an inordinate amount of mysterious deaths which seem to focus on the problems facing a well to do family and the return of a prodigal son. Dipping into the complicated process of inheritance law, both Plank and Wilson need to keep, their considerable, wits about them as they seek to find reasonable cause for doubt in a complex criminal case which gets more and more complicated which each successive turn of the page.

There’s an authenticity to the characters, particularly Sam, and his wife, Martha, which not only makes these stories such a joy to read, but which also gives such an imagined insight into life in the capital in the early 1800s so that it really does feel as though you are moving in tandem with Plank, Martha, and the intrepid Wilson as they go about their business, forever trying, and usually succeeding, to live their lives in the full glare of the criminal fraternity. Sam Plank is such an out and out good guy that you feel, entirely comfortable in his presence, and undoubtedly it is his strong reliability which brings these stories to glorious life.

Once again in Heir Apparent, the author has given us an adventure which takes us on a riotous journey through London, and beyond, into a dangerous criminal underworld of forged identity, dastardly dealings and general skulduggery. The historical research is impeccable, the nature of the crime is explained in minute detail and the way in which the mystery is solved is expertly concluded in a way which has you nodding your head in wry agreement. As always the author brings time and place vividly alive and it is no exaggeration when I say that the Sam Plank Mysteries are perhaps one of the best historical crime series I have read. 

I had a little bit of a lump in my throat when I finished the story as it is obvious that there are significant changes on the way with the formation of the new Metropolitan Police Force, what this means for Sam, Martha and Wilson we must wait to find out in the last book in this exceptional historical crime series.

About the Author

Read a fascinating interview with Susan here

Discover more about Susan's writing and the world of Sam Plank

Website

Twitter @ConstablePlank

Hist Fic Saturday ~ Death Makes No Distinction by Lucienne Boyce

On Hist Fic Saturday

Let's go back to ...18th Century, London 

My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

Two women at opposite ends of the social scale, both brutally murdered. Principal Officer Dan Foster of the Bow Street Runners is surprised when his old rival John Townsend requests his help to investigate the murder of Louise Parmeter, a beautiful writer who once shared the bed of the Prince of Wales. Frustrated by the chief magistrate’s demand that he drop the investigation into the death of the unknown beggar woman, found savagely raped and beaten and left to die in the outhouse of a Holborn tavern, Dan is determined to get to the bottom of both murders. But as his enquiries take him into both the richest and the foulest places in London, Townsend’s real reason for requesting his help gradually becomes clear.

What did I think about it..

Returning to dark and dangerous world of Georgian England in the company of Dan Foster is always a real treat and in Death Makes No Distinction, Foster is once again caught up in an investigation which is as difficult as it is complex. Caught up in the events surrounding two very different murders, one at the lower end of the social spectrum and the other at the very highest, Foster finds that he is moving in some very strange circumstances, particularly when one of the murder investigations brings him into the presence of the Prince of Wales.

The two murder mysteries at the heart of the novel are tight and intricately plotted and the story surrounding the death of socialite, Louise Parmeter is particularly compelling.The author writes with real historical authenticity and brings all the sights, sounds and atmosphere of Georgian London to life. The dark and moody streets, with their foul smelling alleyways and dark and creepy corners come vibrantly to life, and following Dan Foster as he goes about his role as one of the Bow Street Runners, attempting to keep law and order on the streets of London, always makes for an exciting historical adventure.

This is now the third full length novel in the Dan Foster Mystery series and there is much to enjoy in returning to this exciting world of Georgian crime. This time around Foster finds himself, as always, at the very centre of the action however, when the investigation threatens his own personal circumstances it is a race against time to solve the case before his own family get hurt in the process. 

Beautifully written and intricately plotted Death Makes No Distinction continues this exciting historical series with another compelling murder mystery. I can't wait to see where the series takes us to next.

About the author 

Lucienne Boyce is an award-winning historical novelist, women’s suffrage historian and biographer. The first Dan Foster novel Bloodie Bones, was joint winner of the Historical Novel Society Indie Award 2016, and was a semi-finalist for the M M Bennetts Award for Historical Fiction 2016. The second Dan Foster Mystery, The Butcher’s Block, was published in 2017 and was awarded an IndieBrag Medallion in 2018.

Website

Twitter @LucienneWrite

@SilverwoodBooks

Facebook

Blog

Goodreads

Blog Tour ~ A Death in Chelsea by Lynn Brittney

Jaffareadstoo is delighted to host today's stop on A Death in Chelsea Blog Tour

Mirror Books
14 March 2018

My thanks to Melanie at Mirror Books for my copy of this book
and the invitation to be part of the blog tour

Set against the backdrop of WW1, Mayfair 100 is the telephone number for a small, specially-formed crime fighting team based in a house in Mayfair. 

A call comes through to Mayfair 100, where the intrepid team of investigators eagerly await their next case. 

A society gossip queen has been found hanged in her room in mysterious circumstances. Her enemies are numerous – and her family are convinced she was murdered. Can the group uncover the truth in a case that twists and turns to delight and terrify its readers.

My thoughts..

Cleverly combining social history, and particularly the effects on the country during WW1, A Death in Chelsea is a continuation of the cosy crime series which began with A Murder in Belgravia. This story continues the association between the colourful characters who make up the investigative team known, quite simply as Mayfair 100. Before the story begins there's a great introduction to the Mayfair 100 series, and particularly to the characters,  which is really helpful if you haven't read the first book.

The story opens with a woman's death in the affluent area of Chelsea, first reports suggest that this society gossip has taken her own life, but as the investigation gets underway, it becomes obvious that this is not a clear cut conclusion. What then follows is an intricate, and lively, investigation which takes the team into some dark places and uncovers secrets, and lies, which have a real bearing on the outcome of the story.

Mayfair 100 is a really interesting idea for a crime series as there's such an authentic historical feel to the story which reflects what was happening in the country during 1915. It was a time of great social change with the old values of the aristocracy being challenged as more and more of the working classes were either joining the army or, in the case, of women leaving domestic service to work in the more lucrative industries which were actively recruiting women.

I enjoyed the hidden complexities of A Death in Belgravia, and the many twists and turns in the plot were handled well and kept me guessing. I enjoyed watching how the team played to their individual strengths, using their unique skill mix to great effect as they each try to unravel the complicated clues which surround this mysterious death in Chelsea. 

This is the second book in the Mayfair 100 Mystery series and I'm sure we're going to see a lot more of this investigative team in future crime stories.

About the Author

Lynn Brittney has been a writer for almost 30 years. Murder in Belgravia is her first crime novel. Her second novel was included in the UK Government’s Recommended Reading List for Boys and described by the Daily Telegraph: “furious swordplay, tremendous chases, atmospheric journeys and wince-inducing reminders that this was an age before anaesthetics.

Website

Twitter @LynneBrittney2 #ADeathInChelsea

@TheMirrorBooks

Amazon UK

Review ~ False Rumours by Danae Penn

Nichol Press
2017
A Belina Lansac Murder Mystery #1
My thanks to the author for my copy of this book

There's something endlessly fascinating about the disappearance of the two young Plantagenet princes in the tower and there continues to be much speculation surrounding this mystery. The question of just who was responsible has been the subject of rumour, gossip and innuendo for the last 500 years.

False Rumours gives us a refreshingly different look at the mystery and offers a credible explanation for the disappearance of the two young boys. 

In the summer of 1483, twenty-two year old Belina Lansac is living in the small French town of Condom, selling medallions and statues in the Cathedral shop to the pilgrims who stop there en route to the shrine of St. James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostela. When Belina’s detective husband is called away on a secret mission, Belina gets involved in a mystery surrounding the death of an unusual pilgrim. Using considerable skill as an investigator, Belina tries to piece together the clues, all of which seems further complicated by the arrival of Phillipe Barvaux, an ambitious and unscrupulous lawyer, who has his own furtive reasons for being in Condom. 

Belina is a feisty and determined heroine, filled with a great sense of purpose, and as she gets pulled further and further into the mystery surrounding the death of the pilgrim, so a story starts to emerge which will have far reaching repercussions. The complexity of the investigation is a real challenge for Belina, however, she is more than a match for those unscrupulous individuals who try to thwart her at every opportunity and as she starts to uncover the many layers of the case, so the medieval world of Condom starts to come alive. Every part of story feels wonderfully authentic, from the pilgrims who arrive footsore and weary, to the townsfolk who go about their lives in the shadow of the great Cathedral. 

The author writes with skilful observation, bringing all the vibrant atmosphere of the medieval world to glorious life, whilst at the same time keeping the complexities of the mystery right at the heart of the story. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Belina Lansac in the lovely old town of Condom and hope to meet up with her again soon in further murder mystery investigations.

More about the Author and Belina Lansac can be found by clicking here 

Amazon UK

Review ~ Miss Kopp's Midnight Confessions by Amy Stewart

Scribe
 11 January 2018

My thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book

When Deputy Sheriff, Constance Kopp is called upon to imprison eighteen year old, Edna Heustis on charge of waywardness, she is determined to discover why young girls, like Edna, are being wrongfully accused and incarcerated for nothing more wayward than leaving home without their parents permission. Constance, with all her customary zeal, sets out on a crusade to defend these unfortunate young women who don't seem to have anyone to act as their champion. Once on a  mission to help, Constance never lets anyone, man or woman, stand in her way.

As with the previous books in the series, the author has drawn upon documented historical evidence about the real Constance Kopp, and has used this to great effect to give us a rather dark story about the plight of young women in the early part of the twentieth century. On a lighter note, I especially enjoyed the interaction between Constance and her sister, Norma and their dilemma when their younger sister, Fleurette runs away from home to join a vaudeville dance act.

The stories are beautifully reminiscent of a bygone time and the author's ability to give life to such strong female characters whilst still keeping the historical integrity of the story is to her credit. Even though this is the third book in the series, it can be read entirely as a standalone and yet, the two previous books paint such a glorious picture of Constance and her sisters that it would be a real shame not to read those first.

 

About the Author

Visit the author's website

Follow on Twitter @Amy_Stewart

Find on Facebook Amy Stewart Author

@ScribeUKBooks

Review ~ Trouble in Nuala by Harriet Steel

Stane Street Press
2016

What's it all about about ...

When Inspector Shanti de Silva moves with his English wife Jane to his new post in the sleepy hill town of Nuala he anticipates a more restful life than police work in the big city entails. However an arrogant plantation owner with a lonely wife, a crusading lawyer, and a death in suspicious circumstances present him with a riddle that he will need all his experience to solve. 

Set on the exotic island of Ceylon in the 1930s, Trouble in Nuala is an entertaining and relaxing mystery spiced with humour and a colourful cast of characters.

What did I think about it...

Trouble in Nuala introduces us to the delightful, Inspector Shanti de Silva, who, with his English wife Jane, has moved to a new posting in the sleepy hill town of Nuala. Escaping the city, Shanti hopes that his life will take on a more tranquil outlook, that is, until trouble rears its ugly head in Nuala. A suspicious death, on one of the tea plantations, opens up a whole series of complicated questions which mean that Inspector de Silva's ingenuity, and that of his police team, is put to the test.

The author’s descriptive talent comes alive and from the opening pages I was immediately transported back to 1930s Ceylon, which is now modern day Sri Lanka, and taken to a place of great natural beauty, of rich red earth and the jostling of banana and rubber trees and of the scented aroma of jasmine and frangipani blossom. The story gives a lovely portrait of what life could have been like for those colonials who made it their home, and also of the problems faced when living in a small community where everyone's business becomes a matter of great interest

I really enjoyed getting to know Inspector de Silva. I appreciated his wry sense of humour and his steadfast refusal to be beaten by a myriad of complex situations. His interaction with his colleagues, particularity the hapless Constable Nadar, and the slightly more prosaic Sergeant Prasanna made me smile as they are so reminiscent of a bygone time.

Trouble in Nuala is the first of a proposed series of detective books featuring Inspector de Silva and I, personally, can't wait for the next book, Double Trouble, which, I think, is coming sometime in 2017.

Best Read With...Elephant ginger beer and a spicy bowl of Dhal...

About the Author

Harriet Steel is the author of several historical novels including Becoming Lola and Salvation. Her work has appeared in national newspapers and magazines. She is passionate about history and blogs about it at harrietsteel.blogspot.co.uk

Follow on Twitter @harrietsteel1

My thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Trouble in Nuala

~***~

Review ~ Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart

Scribe
12 January 2017

A bit of blurb...

The bestselling author of Girl Waits With Gun returns with another adventure featuring the feisty, unforgettable Kopp sisters. 

In 1915, lady cops were not expected to chase down fugitives on the streets of New York City. But Constance Kopp never did what anyone expected. After besting (and arresting) a ruthless silk factory owner and his gang of thugs, Constance Kopp has earned her place as the nation’s first female deputy sheriff. She’s proven that she can’t be deterred, evaded, or outrun. But when a con man escapes from jail on her watch, she must find him before he disappears completely, and she ends up right back where she started - unemployed.

My thoughts about the book ...

In Lady Cop Makes Trouble we see the welcome return of Deputy Sheriff Constance Kopp who we first met in Girl Waits With Gun.

When a con man disappears from jail whilst Constance is on watch she takes it as a personal insult. Fired with her unique brand of bravado, she never for one minute takes the idea of defeat as an option, even though those around are perhaps more sceptical of her ability to track down a man who doesn't want to be found.

This complicated search for a man who does not want to be discovered forms the basis of the story and, as always, takes Constance into the very heart of the action. The other characters that flit into and out of the story add their own distinctive perspective and Constance's sisters, Norma and Fleurette, continue to add their own unique charm.

What I love about this historical crime series is the sheer joie de vivre which Constance exudes at every opportunity. She is a feisty and determined protagonist who brings such exuberant joy to the story that the pages almost turn themselves. What can be guaranteed is that for Constance Kopp there is never going to be a dull moment and even though her brief spell as the deputy sheriff seems to be over almost before it has begun Constance never falters in her search for justice.

The brave and bright new world of early twentieth century New York comes vividly to life with Constance best placed in her role as a strong female protagonist. Within the story there is plenty of action and lots of twists and turns in a plot which always keeps you guessing.

Based on actual events, Lady Cop Makes Trouble is a well plotted action adventure and I am sure that this series will continue to go from strength to strength. 

Best read with … a cup of black tea and some soda crackers

About the Author

Visit the author's website

Follow on Twitter @Amy_Stewart

Find on Facebook Amy Stewart Author



Thanks to Sophie at Scribe for the opportunity to read and review Lady Cop Makes Trouble.

~***~