A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas

The last few books have ended on something of a cliffhanger or with something left undone. I liked that this book differed a bit; Olivia and Stephen might not have a happy ever after but it sure is a lot closer than what we've seen in other books. And We also get to see a bit more about her relationship with Lord Ingram which is running the way she would like and they solidify a bit more where they are going in a completely nerdy and adorable manner. 

Lady Sherlock #8

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Follows Tempest at Sea

ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Murder at an English Séance by Jessica Ellicott

Big things are happening in this book. Beryl has her plane and is enjoying flying to her heart's content. Edwina has finished her book and is just working up her nerve to get it shipped out. Of course, she'll have to post it where the town's biggest gossip (i.e. the postmistress) will see it. So she reroutes to a tea shop to fortify her nerves.

It is at the tea room that she meets psychic, Maude Dinsdale. Maude has just moved to town but she is about to set Walmsley Parva on its ear. While some people are eager to believe in her talents, others are being torn apart. And one person ends up dead in a mummy's sarcophagus.

There is a lot going on in this book including Charles being given care of his cousin's two-year-old son. The end of the mystery wasn't really fairly clued so that was a bit annoying but this was overall a nice book. 

Beryl and Edwina Mystery #8

Three and a half stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Follows Murder at a London Finishing School

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick

The Earl of St. Merryn needs someone to cover for him. Specifically, a female someone. He decides to hire a fake fiancee. The news around his engagement will keep everyone diverted from the fact that he's looking for a murderer.

Eleanora Lodge is looking for her next appointment. The last one was not to her specifications. Being able to work for the early seems like a good opportunity. 

They'll have to deal with a butler who's up to no good and a ton that is somewhat skeptical about their relationship.

Good Quick novel. 

Three stars

This book came out in 2004

Borrowed as audiobook from Audible Plus

Opinions are my own

Star Island by Carl Hiaasen

Ann DeLusia has a pretty sweet deal. She's a body double for a woman who has been a pop star for the last eight years, Cherry Pye. It's a recognizable story, stage parents who pushed their daughter into a situation so that they could have a star. Now, Cherry is fueled mostly by drugs and alcohol. Thus, the need for a body double or "undercover stunt double." Mostly, she hangs out in swanky hotels, eating room service, and earning a hefty pay check. 

Cherry has just mixed a pound of bird seed with her drugs so she's on her way to rehab so Ann is on deck. On her way to "vacation," the limo spins out and she's rescued by a mysterious stranger. They rob a boss but then she gets back to work.

The return of CHEMO! He his hired to be Cherry's bodyguard/sober companion. He protects Cherry but it's Ann who is kidnapped by a rabid fan/paparazzo. 

Didn't hang together as well as some of the other Hiaasen stories but an interesting read nonetheless.

Three stars
Skink #6

This book came out July 26, 2010

Follows Skinny Dip

Followed by No Surrender

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Haunting License by Carol J. Perry

Maureen is on her beach run one day when she discovers a body. It's Eddie Manuel. She didn't know him but she finds a newspaper article proclaiming him the winner of a fishing tournament that was to have been an annual event. Instead, it only took place once; in 2000. But it does spark an idea. Maybe she can do that again and earn some money for her inn. 

And that money would come in handy. She needs to any number of repairs and needs to add on. Because this inn, and these people (and ghosts) are becoming dear to her. As is the larger Haven, Florida community. And that's why she willing to help the local police (specifically Frank Hubbard) in various investigations. In fact, Hubbard asks her for her help because her "feelings" have been accurate in the past. But does that mean Maureen will go to far? 

Not as many ghosts in this book but I did not miss them much. 

Haunted Haven #3

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

Follows High Spirits

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

Under Your Spell by Laura Wood

Clementine Monroe is infamous, but not of her own volition. She is the daughter of a rock god and is one of three girls born within four months, all his daughters. Now she's all grown up and finding out her job has not been renewed and was just dumped by her boyfriend and, yeah, he took her cat. The trifecta of suckitude that starts many a romance novel. But this book is nice in that it's first person and we really get to see how Clementine and Theo Elliott fall in love. 

After she and her sisters cast a spell, it seems like things might be perking up. Clemmie is looking for a job and Theo needs someone to hang out with him while he finishes up an album that he was supposed to deliver two years ago. See, he was a boy band god but Clemmie never really paid attention because she was really into old rock. Also, I'm not remembering why Theo's assistant couldn't just... come with him. So there might be some points where disbelief suspension might be a little harder but I really did enjoy the relationship building

Four stars

This book comes out June 25, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Atria Books and NetGalley

Opinions are my own

A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd

There seems to be a number of authors who are setting books in Ye Olden Days but adding more modern language and sensibilities. Dodd is better at it than most but it took me awhile to settle in to the story. 

The hook for this one, as most reviews probably point out, is that our first person narrator is the daughter of Romeo and Juliet who, apparently not only didn’t die, but have been extremely prolific. This story is that of their daughter, Rosaline. She’s set to be engaged to the despicable Duke Stephano. She’s aghast as a) she doesn’t want to get married and b) the man has had several wives already, all of whom have died under mysterious circumstances. It’s a puzzle that her father has allowed this to happen as he does truly love her.

At her betrothal ball, Rosaline is struck by Cupid’s arrow, much as it must have happened to her parents. She hides away in a corner with her Lysander where they are discovered… holding hands. A travesty. The Duke is NOT pleased but Prince Escalus smooths over any hurt. At least for the public. Stephano is ready to make Juliet pay. She arms herself with a knife but it isn’t needed since she stumbles over his already dead body in the garden. And his isn’t the last death in this story.

While all of this is going on, Rosaline is determined to find a wife for the prince. But he seems immune to her efforts. This is a romance so it’s not hard for us to figure out why.

So, a little bit Romeo and Juliet, a dash of murder mystery, and a pinch of Emma. I wish there had been more of the romance and the mystery went off the wheels at the end but it was mainly enjoyable. 

Three and a half stars

This book comes out June 24, 2024

ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and ebook from NetGalley

Opinions are my own