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Title: A Girl Like You

Subtitle: The Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series

Author: Michelle Cox

Narrator: Jayne A Entwistle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-17

Publisher: Michelle Cox

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Henrietta Von Harmon works as a 26 girl at a corner bar on Chicago's northwest side. It's 1935, but things still aren't looking up since the big crash and her father's subsequent suicide, leaving Henrietta to care for her antagonistic mother and younger siblings. Henrietta is eventually persuaded to take a job as a taxi dancer at a local dance hall - and just when she's beginning to enjoy herself, the floor matron turns up dead.

When aloof Inspector Clive Howard appears on the scene, Henrietta agrees to go undercover for him - and is plunged into Chicago's grittier underworld. Meanwhile, she's still busy playing mother hen to her younger siblings, as well as to pesky neighborhood boy Stanley, who believes himself in love with her and keeps popping up in the most unlikely places, determined to keep Henrietta safe - even from the Inspector, if need be. Despite his efforts, however, and his penchant for messing up the Inspector's investigation, the lovely Henrietta and the impenetrable Inspector find themselves drawn to each other in most unsuitable ways.

Members Reviews:

Excellent historical mystery

Loved getting to know Henrietta and Inspector Howard. Intriguing mystery and many complex and interesting characters which made for an excellent historical listen that was hard to put down. The narrator did an amazing job of bringing the characters and story to life. I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to see where this series goes next! I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Love it!!!

The first thing that attracted my to this book is the cover and then I read the description and I thought I have to get my hands on it.

The author surprised me because I thought I knew what to expect, but I didn't. I really liked Henrietta, she is innocent and naive but this is due to the era and her age. If this was written in our timeline then I would not have believed it but because it is in another time period it is more realistic. As she started to understand things that is happening around her the book gets a bit more darker and her innocence is chipped away.

I would recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book.

There is no profanity, but it does have some violence. The story has no sex scenes but there is an attempted rape and talk about sexual orinatation, kissing (females:female and female:male), and touching.

I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review.

Nostalgic and Sweet

I really enjoyed listening to this book. To me it felt like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn meets a risqué Nancy Drew. The plot was intriguing and the characters very good. I loved the innocence of Henrietta, it was very endearing. I cant wait to read A Ring of Truth. Although I wish it was on Audible too.

Great!

Fantastic mystery with great narration! I really enjoyed this story!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The fact that I was gifted this book had no influence over my opinion of it

A really good read

I think that the research behind the story is exceptional, the characters are very well drawn (even the truly irritating), and the plot is different from the ordinary even though it lacked the urgency often found in many mysteries.

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Title: Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Cake

Subtitle: Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries, Book 13

Author: Emily Brightwell

Narrator: Lindy Nettleton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-12-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The evidence was all there: a dead body, two dessert plates, and a gun. Could it be that Mr. Ashbury was sharing his cake with his killer? The old bloke had enemies galore - even his own daughter disliked him. Mr. Ashbury's son-in-law doesn't want Inspector Witherspoon asking questions. Of course this doesn't stop Mrs. Jeffries and her staff from snooping around.

Members Reviews:

Takes the cake!

Another superb story!! I love this series and can't get enough! A must listen and a enjoyable visit to the past!

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Title: A Trace of Smoke

Author: Rebecca Cantrell

Narrator: Beverley Murray

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-12-17

Publisher: Rebecca Cantrell

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's 1931 in Berlin, and the world is on the precipice of change -- the affluent still dance in their gilded cages but more and more people are living under threat and poverty. Hannah Vogel is a crime reporter forced to write under the male pseudonym Peter Weill. As a widow of the Great War, she's used to doing what she must to survive. Her careful facade is threatened when she stumbles across a photograph of her brother in the Hall of the Unnamed Dead. Reluctant to make a formal identification until she has all the details, Hannah decides to investigate, herself. She must be cautious as Ernst's life as a cross-dressing cabaret star was ringed in scandal, and his list of lovers included at least one powerful leader in the Nazi party.

She's barely had a chance to begin before an endearing five-year-old orphan shows up on her doorstep holding a birth certificate listing her dead brother Ernst as his father, and calling Hannah 'Mother.' Further complicating matters are her evolving feelings for Boris Krause, a powerful banker whose world is the antithesis of Hannah's. Boris has built a solid wall preventing anyone from disturbing his, or his daughter Trudi's, perfectly managed lives -- a wall Hannah and Anton are slowly breaking down.

As Hannah digs, she discovers political intrigues and scandals touching the top ranks of the rising Nazi party. Fired from her job and on the run from Hitler's troops, she must protect herself and the little boy who has come to love her, but can she afford to find love for herself?

Members Reviews:

Berlin 1930's at its HOTTEST!!

Rebecca has written and crafted a wonderfully tight plotted story set in Berlin 1930's. Hannah will draw you in with her refined tough character and leave you clambering for the next book.

I will not go into story detail because I hate reading reviews with them. That's what the inside jacket cover is for, but I will tell you this: This story has a great ending that will not disappoint. So many times I've read books and have been left with that 'so what' feeling. Not the case with Rebecca!!! She never cheats her fans!!!

Also have a look at her collaboration with James Rollins in Blood Gospel. I have never read a more perfectly intertwined collaboration then this book. You can clearly see both of them at work here. James with his technical prose and Rebecca with her subtle romance and charm. Simply splendid!

Historical Depth in Gray

This story manages to fit neatly into four genre categories and does it amazingly well! While reading, my imagination portrayed the story in black and white form with dashes of color, mostly red, which is significant to the gay character. This is not due to a lack of development, but rather should be taken as a compliment to the author's talent to imprint emotions into the scene without directly stating or over dramatizing. I felt a connection to each character and grew to care about them all, even the `bad' guys because their humanity coupled with history sparked a touch of sympathy. The lead character is an inspirational female, not for her overtly heroic antics, but for her ability to cope and face challenging situations. Thematically, the story builds on many levels, and for me the most convincing is the sense of bravery.

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Title: The Essence of Malice

Subtitle: An Amory Ames Mystery, Book 4

Author: Ashley Weaver

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-17

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When Milo Ames receives a troubling letter from his childhood nanny, Madame Nanette, he and Amory travel to Paris where they are soon embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of a famous parfumier. Helios Belanger died suddenly, shortly before the release of his newest, highly anticipated perfume, and Madame Nanette, who works for the family, is convinced that her employer's death was not due to natural causes.

The more Amory and Milo look into the motives of industry rivals and the Belanger heirs who are vying for control of his perfume empire, the more they are convinced that Nanette may be right. When secrets unfold and things take a dangerous turn, Amory and Milo must work quickly to uncover the essence of the matter and catch a killer before the scent goes cold.

Members Reviews:

Great design but the fabric's too thin for the 21st C

Here are two suggestions that might save this wonderful series that seems to be spiraling down:

1. Let Milo's influence recede and become less precious and have Amory grow in strength and shine in the couture of the day.

2. Do not fall into the trap of becoming trendy and turning the series into historical fiction about pre-WWII; there are hints the series could take that turn. That's been done and is still being done quite well.

Others have described Milo as a "cad"; in my view the other reviewers have been far too kind. Milo needs a punch in the nose, both figuratively and literally. If his looks were less perfect, he might be less arrogant. In addition, if there is to be a child in the series, as was very mildly foreshadowed, Milo needs to become a decent human being or what a disgusing father figure he will be.

Liked It, Didn't Love It

Didn't think this one is as well thought through as earlier books in the series. Plotting is exemplary, but Amory is becoming such a weak character in her interaction with Milo that I did want to shake her, as another reviewer suggested. I appreciate that my attitude from 2018 is probably radically different from the book's earlier era, but I would like to see less whining and hand-wringing and more mystery-solving.

Did appreciate the insight into perfume making. Also do like reading about the fashions of the day. Can't ever get enough of bias cut dresses that float around the wearer. It was an amazing time in the history of couture.

Love Amory!

I love this series even though I could bash Milo on the head sometimes. However, Amory continues to delight me and mature as a character. I love this series for the settings, the clever dialogue and the who done it. Each book is better than the previous.

Evil offenses

This story will keep you turning page after page until u finish the book. I love the characters but the husband is a bit of a, well read the story and you will see what I mean.

Fun series

Fun, escapist mystery. These Amory Ames books are so much fun...light and breezy as well as an engaging mystery.

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Title: Murder by the Book

Subtitle: The Eighteenth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

Author: Susanna Gregory

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-24-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is drawing near to the end of term, and the University at Cambridge is in turmoil over the opening of a new common library. There is an attack on one of the masters at a meeting to discuss the matter, and a body is found floating in the pond in the library's garden on the eve of its opening. Meanwhile, there are rumours of a large force of dangerous smugglers lurking in the Fens. Aided by their friend Sheriff Tulyet, Bartholomew and Michael must thwart the invaders before the Feast of Corpus Christi the following week. To fail might mean the destruction of the town....

Members Reviews:

Far too many deaths!

So many people die in this book it's hard to keep track. As always it's an enjoyable listen and the historical details are very good but I can't help thinking that if the plots of these books were just a little bit simpler the books would feel more like a story and less like a collection of events.

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Title: A Promise of Ruin

Author: Cuyler Overholt

Narrator: Carly Robins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-08-17

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

To stop the trafficking ring plaguing her city, Dr. Genevieve Summerford must dive into New York's underworld.

In early 1900s New York, the formidable crime syndicate known as the Black Hand has been terrorizing the city's Italian community with bombings and kidnappings. When a young Italian girl is found drowned and sexually defiled, Dr. Genevieve Summerford suspects the organization has expanded into forced prostitution, and she won't rest until the trafficking ring is brought to justice.

Members Reviews:

Loved the 2nd Dr Genevieve Summerford adventur

The tension was excruciating but the conclusion brought happy tears to my eyes. Thanks Ms. Overholt for a heroine we can all root for!

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Title: The Warrior Princess

Author: K. M. Ashman

Narrator: Napoleon Ryan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-08-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1135 AD. Wales is a broken land. Many of its true-born rulers are in hiding, or married into noble English families. But, though low and dim, a flame of vengeance still burns...

In the southern kingdom of Deheubarth, Gerald of Windsor governs. Firm but fair, he commands the respect of those he reigns over, and the love of Nesta, his wife.

But then treachery strikes from the heart of the English ranks and peace and stability are quickly forgotten. Nesta, daughter of a long-dead prince, is more than what she seems. And when her family is threatened, she takes drastic action to protect it...

In the mountainous rebel heartland of Cantref Mawr, the Welsh resistance has found a new figurehead: a fearless warrior, born with a sword in her hand, and with vengeance in her heart.

The Warrior Princess is coming. And the English will know fear.

Members Reviews:

the warrior princess

i don't like this book at all. I started to listen to it and can not continue.

heart broken

really enjoyed this book but so heart breaking when the warrior princess dies . so I do hope her husband seeks redemption and Wales is saved

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Title: Servant of Death

Subtitle: Bradecote and Catchpoll

Author: Sarah Hawkswood

Narrator: Matt Addis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-17

Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The much-feared and hated Eudo - the Lord Bishop of Winchester's clerk - is bludgeoned to death in Pershore Abbey and laid before the altar in the attitude of a penitent. Everyone who had contact with him had reason to dislike him, but who had reason to kill him?

The Sheriff of Worcestershire's thief taker, wily Serjeant Catchpoll, and his new and unwanted superior, Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, have to find the answer. And as the claustrophobic walls of the abbey close in on the suspects, the killer strikes again....

Members Reviews:

it was just ok.

Second half was better, but just didn't connect with any of the characters. I like Sgt. Catchpoll. Matt Addis was so soothing in his narration at the beginning that I was getting drowsy listening. not sure I will listen to second book or not.

Medieval armchair mystery

Not a lot happens even though four people are killed. We don't see any of the murders and much of the book is taken up by interviews of a long list of suspects. each of the suspects is in turn determined to be the killer, only to have our two law enforcement officers spend more time discussing why their conclusions are wrong, and then move on to the next suspect. i almost stopped after the first chapter which felt like a stream of consciousness introduction to the cast of characters. the author moves from one to the next so rapidly, they began to run together.

The narrator improved as he went along. His individual voices were fine but his narration lacked was flat in the beginning.

Possibly the new Ellis Peters

Great book a perfect blend of PD James and Ellis Peters. There is real promise with these novels i can only hope they live up to it.

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Title: The Devil's Disciples

Subtitle: The Fourteenth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

Author: Susanna Gregory

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Rumours of plague threaten Cambridge again, 10 years after the Black Death had almost laid waste to the town. Neither the church nor its priests had defended people from the disease, and now they turn elsewhere for protection, to pagan ritual and magical potions.

It is a ripe atmosphere to be exploited by the mysterious 'Sorcerer', an anonymous magician whose increasing influence seems certain to oust both civil and church leaders from power.

One murder, another unexplained death, a font filled with blood, a desecreated grave - all bear the hallmarks of the Sorcerer's hand, only the identity of the magician remains a mystery. A mystery which Matthew Barthlomew must solve before he loses his reputation...and his life.

Members Reviews:

A "Good Listen" (with some reservations).

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm always happy to find a good series of stories and Susanna's series on Matthew are always entertaining and have that necessary flash of Humour.I'm on the 14th novel (as you see) and am still enjoying the characters and tales. There is however, one exception; Friar William should have a nasty accident as soon as possible. His bigotry and postulating is beginning to rankle, he does little for the Franciscan Order.I look forward to hearing that he is excommunicated and drowns in the Mill Pond.Delighted to hear David Thorpe back in his narration seat; I missed him during his "sabbatical".

Another hit

Love the narration just brings everything to life. The research for the story is amazing so the book is both enjoyable and informative

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Title: To Kill or Cure

Subtitle: The Thirteenth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

Author: Susanna Gregory

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Cambridge University is in dire financial straits: the town's landlords are demanding an extortionate rent rise for the students' hostels, and the plague years have left the colleges with scant resources. Tension between town and gown is at boiling point and soon explodes into violence and death. Into this maelstrom comes a charismatic physician whose healing methods owe more to magic than medicine, but his success threatens Matthew Bartholomew's professional reputation - and his life....

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Great as always!

Wonderful series of books

Wonderful series of books, with great historical content (mainly on Cambridge, UK) mixed into a well told fictional murder mystery series.

Can't Go Wrong!

You can NEVER go wrong reading the Matthew Bartholomew series of books. I simply can't get enough of them!!

Five Stars

Love this series. To Kill or Cure is one of the best.

Excellent

This book was very exciting start to finish. How was Matthew going to overcome the evil newcomer to Cambridge? Enjoy.