Very fine historical mystery--great characters
357506
When King Steven calls a council, many people hasten to attend--those who hope to win a lawsuit, those who seek royal favor, and even whoremistresses like Magdalene la Batarde. Magdalene owes her life to William of Ypres and knows that she can serve him by providing a place of refuge and a secure meeting area. She doesn't expect to become involved in murder, but when an attempt at a forced wedding ends with the prospective groom stabbed in the back and one of William's men a suspect, Magdalene decides to investigate.
Magdalene's lover, Bell, is also in Oxford, serving his master's orders at the great council. Bell is jealous of Magdalene's loyalty to William and concerned for her safety as she plunges deeper into the investigation, but overall a good sport. He pitches in, serves escort duty, and interviews men at arms, bartenders, and others that Magdalene could not approach.
In BONE OF CONTENTION, author Roberta Gellis delivers a powerful and fascinating view of an important time in English history. Her historical details are excellent, providing insights to the historically inclined without being obtrusive to those following the mystery. Even more so than in A PERSONAL DEVIL, Gellis delves into her characters. Both Magdalene and Bell are successfully detailed, with understandable conflict that cannot be resolved by a simple discussion. The mystery is compelling with a rich assortment of suspects and an abundance of clues.
492679
Jaime Jo Wright is making a name for herself in time-slip mysteries. I really enjoy historical mysteries, but for years, I have had a hard time finding an author who would do it justice. Wright has stepped up the genre game and has impressed me with her stories. I thoroughly enjoyed The House on Foster Hill, so I couldn't wait to get a copy of The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. Gossamer Pond was much more exciting than Foster Hill. Wright did an awesome job writing this time-slip mystery.

Her writing is clear and concise. I had no problem visualizing the small town of Gossamer Pond. From the quirky characters to the historical buildings and town. I loved traveling through the town in present day with Annalise and Garrett and traveling with Libby in the past.

The mystery was deeply woven together from the past to the present. I don't know how Wright kept track of who showed what before the other story learned it, but she does a wonderful job at weaving two timelines together. As for the mystery, I really enjoyed it. I had some suspicions on who did the killing, but Wright pulled someone out that I really didn't see doing it. I flipped back through the story to see if I could follow the trail of clues. The past one I found the trail, but the present one, I didn't find any clues to signify that person. Oh, well. Maybe need to study more. Overall, the mystery kept my attention, and I couldn't read the story fast enough. I wanted to spend more time reading, but life gets in the way.

As for the romance, I really didn't feel anything toward one set of characters over another. They were both interesting and had past elements they needed to reconcile and move forward with. I didn't see the past relationship coming at all. But I'm glad the present relationship moved forward with the hurts from the past.

The spiritual element of redeeming the past rang pretty strong and clear in this novel. Wright doesn't shove it down my throat, instead, she wraps it in a wonderful tale.

In conclusion, The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond is a captivating tale of mystery filled with a plot of quirky characters who make the story what it is. I spent a lot of time investing in reading this story, and I thoroughly loved it. I really can't wait to read Wright's next book. Fans of Johanna Davidson Politano and Wright's first book would love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
4921941
What a fun read - full of strong characters to love or to hate, great storytelling, set against an intriguing historical backdrop.  This story is a great one to cozy up with on a snowy afternoon (or during a snowy week!), or at the beach.  The book follows the plucky Charlotte Perkins, an upper class and fairly proper East Coast lady who married well and lived a comfortable life.  When her fortunes change, Charlotte must depend on her own wits and a bit of pluck to survive in worlds with which she had heretofore been unfamiliar.  Charlotte is a smart woman, who cleverly finds ways to escape--not only the dangerous places (an insane asylum for one)in which she finds herself, but also the limiting mores of her time.  This books has it all:  good guys, bad guys, mystery, the ways of the wealthy and the plight of the poor. not to mention a bit of romance, adventure and mystery.  Although it moves quickly, the reader is well satisfied with richly drawn details that allow full immersion into Charlotte's world.  Many thanks for another terrific character, and a fun trip into American history!  Loved it!
1529087
For the sake of disclosure, I must admit that I am a fan of Amelia Peabody. She is a wonderfully strong character. Having said that...

This is yet another great Amelia Peabody mystery even though it is out of sequence to the most current publications. The setting shifts to a pre-WWI Jerusalem filled with Christians, Muslims, and Jews. A cryptic note found on the corpse of an informant leads Emerson and Amelia on a quest to uncover German spies posing as archeologists. Eighteen year old Ramses leaves his seasonal work with another archeologist to meet his family on an important quest and (of course) the usual mayhem ensues.

There are the usual nefarious characters, dusty digs, and intriguing series of events. The meaning of the story's title, however, is lost to me. In all, the literary journey was captivating, pleasant in all accounts, and quite worthy of such a parasol wielding protagonist. If you enjoy this series, reading this book will be a pleasing journey!
102281
Let me say, up front, that I am an author and I rarely write reviews for other authors' works, however, I just have to write this one. I know P.B. Ryan through social networking and a couple of author email loops but Still Life with Murder is the first of her novels that I have read. This is a wonderful historical mystery. I finished Still Life with Murder last night and immediately purchased the second book in the series.

The characters are extremely well fleshed-out, the plot twists terrific, the attention to historical detail is very impressive and Nell, the heroine, is totally amazing.  I couldn't put this book down...to the point I was ignoring my own work!

Congratulations, Patricia, and thanks for a great read!

Jill
3605916
This was a delightful cozy type mystery. I really like the two major characters and enjoyed the direction of the plot.  I would love to have books that tell of their earlier adventures together but will enjoy the next installments from this one, too.  It's the kind of story I most enjoy for pleasure reading  as it has a good plot that captures your attention, includes a historical setting that causes me to think about that time in history, and has very attractive protagonists.  I'll read more of T.E. Kinsey's work!
4048495
In the end I really enjoyed this book.  It is not the first time that an historical mystery is told in the form of supposedly found lettes and documents.  The one that does this extremely successfully is Elizabeth Peters in her Amelia Peabody series, which happens to be be a huge favourite of mine.  Jane Austen in the role of sleuth is not that big a stretch since we already know that the lady was intelligent and had a keen wit.  I enjoyed the way Ms. Barron portrayed her in this book, and she was interesting enough to make me want to read more in this series.  There were a few loopholes in the plot though, and some "flights of fancy" that seemed to come from nowhere.  The historical detail is also not perfect, but these small flaws don't destroy the story.  I think the genre for this book is more historical cozy than historical mystery, so keeping this in mind, the flaws do not seem so important and the story is lots of fun.
4073967
Nancy Herriman has the perfect touch for romantic historical mystery. Full of twists and turns, the mystery offers up a delicious dose of suspicious characters and fresh-off-the-wharf red herrings. The historical depiction of old San Francisco immerses the reader in the raw reality of clashing immigrant cultures; sights, smells, sounds, and manners leap off the page. And speaking of manners, the social mores of a budding romance between a woman who isn't quite sure if she's a widow and a dashing police detective hit all the right notes to tug the heart. I want to follow Celia and Nick right into their next book. Please.
2085283
This is not only a good historical mystery but good historical fiction, period.  It reminds me of Anne Perry's Monk novel's in that respect--particularly the earlier ones which to me were the absolute best.  It's a book that illuminates a social world.  Perry can make us see Victorian England, and feel we are there.  In this case we are transported to New York City in the years before the Civil War.  The inequity of slavery--the snatching of free blacks by "blackbirders" who sell them South--plays a large part in the plot.  The story is involving and draws on heart wrenching historical realities.  I loved the first person voice of the protagonist, a New York City policeman.  The writing is beautiful and the author excels in layering historical detail.  We get to inhabit the melting pot that existed even way back then in New York City Highly recommended.
1734339
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical mystery. A comfortably-off merchant's wife is persuaded to turn spy, acting as a lady in waiting to a titled young woman.  Czar Ivan the Terrible is sending an emissary to woo her on his behalf. The Queen of England would need to give permission for such a marriage, but she is afraid to offend Ivan.

The fun part for me is seeing historical London, all today's districts and boroughs just outlying villages beyond the City and Tower. Life is really well described, with scents and sounds to make it vivid for the reader. The work of being a lady in waiting seems quite a boring one, but there is plenty of intrigue and danger for our intrepid heroine. Indeed, the first peril is encountered in the place where the royal gowns and robes are created and stored.

Meanwhile her husband the merchant is off in frozen Moscow, trying to do deals, survive the snow and help an Englishwoman fallen on hard times. We don't often see outside Britain in these mysteries so the several changes of location are welcome.

If you like Elizabethan thrillers you'll enjoy this one, with a heroine to identify with and cheer.
2274689
Set in the Summer of 1200 A.D. Lincoln, England, this mystery is the first in a series of which I shall definitely be reading more.
It is well-researched. The historical details are amazing. The main character, Bascot de Marins, is a Templar Knight who is on leave from the Order after returning to England from being kept prisoner by the Saracens. He is burnt out and disillusioned, wounded in body and spirit. Being literate in an age when few are, he gives steward's service to the chatelaine of the castle where he is recovering, Lady Nicolaa de Hayes (an actual historical figure, as is her husband, Sheriff Gerard Camville).
When four people are discovered brutally murdered in one of the town's alehouses, two of them strangers, one a Jewish moneylender, the last the aleman himself, Lady Nicolaa, to placate her husband, offers to handle the investigation under her own aegis rather than suffer him the cost. She turns to de Marins for the investigation. Onion-like, the mystery unfolds. Clues are discovered. Witnesses are questioned and details come to light. More murders ensue. The reader is tantalized. The wealth of historical detail is astounding, yet unobtrusive. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the identity of the killer. There were so many with a motive and the opportunity, each as plausible as the next. The end is a bit of a twist.
All of the characters are well-fleshed out and engaging. The language is at once true to the era and understandable in context for the modern reader. I was recommended this book because of my interest in the Brother Cadfael Mysteries. I am glad I took the bait. I will be purchasing the rest of this series as budget permits.
2292469
I love hIstorical mysteries, and this is the best one I've read in quite a while, with appealing characters and a fascinating setting.  I hope Carole Lawrence will treat us to many more books in the future.
3868383
How does Harris do it?  Keeps her mysteries intriguing, develops her characters and sets a fine historical background!  I mark the release date of her books on my calendar and wait impatiently to get my hands on her next book.  Her ability to weave the continuing story of Sebastian St. Cyr, produce a great mystery and bring early nineteenth century London to life, astonish and please me.  I like the pace at which she develops the relationships between the characters and find myself wanting to know more about all of them.  The back story of political intrigue helps move things along as well.  This story has important details about child labor (the crossing sweeps) and art collecting which I found fascinating.  I am already waiting for the next book in the series.
4818666
An avid reader of historical fiction and historical mystery, I found this book to be just the way I like my mysteries.  It's full of details (I hope accurate) about life in 1700s China and has an engaging mystery to go along with it.

The protagonist, Li Du, is an exiled librarian who, 5 years ago, lost his prestigious job at the library in the Forbidden City and now, disgraced and banished, lives a wandering, solitary life and is perhaps headed out of China.  However, he wanders into Dayan, frontier town where his cousin is magistrate and finds himself unwillingly drawn into events surrounding the long-awaited visit of the  Kangxi Emperor, who, as the divine ruler of the world, will "command" an eclipse of the sun in a special ceremony upon his arrival in Dayan.

Li Du arrives six days before the expected arrival of the Emperor and of the eclipse.  There's much hustle, bustle and preparation, many people both foreign and Chinese, merchants, priests, ambassadors, businessmen, traveling entertainers, etc., visiting for the event and an air of celebration abounds.

We have a large cast of characters in addition to librarian Li Du.  There's Li Du's cousin Tulisten, magistrate in Dayan; Tulisten's beautiful consort Lady Chen and his assistant Jia Huan; Dayan librarian Mun Gao; traveling storyteller Hamza;  Brother Pieter and Brother Martin, two Jesuit priests; Sir Nicholas Gray, ambassador of the English East India Company, and more.

Then Brother Pieter dies suddenly.  Foul play?  The magistrate says no, not wishing anything to interfere with the Emperor's visit, but Li Du suspects murder.  And off the story goes.  Li Du has six days to solve the mystery.  There's politics, waning Jesuit influence in China in the face of Dominican interests, foreign trade, diplomacy, astronomy and botany of the day, intrigue; you name it, you may find it here, even some very fun stories told by Hamza within the author's story.  The mystery and the characters are intriguing and the end of the book leaves you with the hope that the author will be writing more Li Du mysteries to make him an 18th-century Chinese Hercules Poirot.
4223418
A Hostage To Heritage is the second book in the Michael Stoddard American Revolution Thriller series. This is a wonderful historical mystery that is more mystery than historical, but still, it gives the reader a chance to experience the solving of a mystery without the use of a cell phone, DNA and all the other items of technology we have today. Reading about this period of time always makes me appreciate our life today. I remember reading about the Battle of Yorktown back in the dark ages, but wasn't aware that there may have been more battles fought in South Carolina, than the other colonies. I feel that it is a plus when I can learn something from my reading.

This book can be read as a "stand alone", but I would suggest also reading Regulated For Murder to learn a little more about Stoddard and his assistant, Spry.  Stoddard also has appeared, in a minor role in Adair's other books.  Mrs. Chiswell , who has a minor roll in this book, was the main character in Camp Follower.  If you love historical mysteries, like myself, you might want to check out Adair's other books, too.

Michael Stoddard, having some just returned from chasing some rebels who have been terrorizing the city of Wilmington, NC., has been ordered to see his commander immediately. Major Craig informs Stoddard that he has an important mission to handle and expects Stoddard to remain in Wilmington and to capture the rebels he had been chasing earlier. Soon, they are pursuing Love and Jones, but once again lose them and upon returning to garrison they are summoned to Dr. Clayton's infirmary.. Three dead bodies have been brought in to the infirmary, a man and two young boys. They had been shot and killed as they, and a gang of young boys, attacked the traveling party of Lady Faisleigh. Stoddard and Spry immediately call on Lady Faisleigh to learn more of the incident once there Stoddard realizes that she is someone out of his past and hope she doesn't recognize him. He soon learns that Lady Faisleigh son was kidnapped during the attack. After talking with the boys tutor, Mr. De Manning and with the Lady's maids and with Lady Faisleigh herself, it's unclear the reason for the kidnapping as there has been no ransom demanded for Lord Wynndon.

As the investigation continues, Stoddard and Spry have more questions than answers. Putting the past aside with tavern owner, Kate Duncan, Stoddard is able to gain valuable information and an understanding of some local maps that will help him narrow the search for missing Lord Wynndon.

This was a very enjoyable book for me. The author provides the reader with many twists and turns, that kept me guessing to end. A well told story that will give all a better understanding of life in the late 1700's.

Adair also provides the reader with a cast of characters and an extensive bibliography.

Looking forward to the next book in the series to see challenges are handed to Michael Stoddard and his assistant, Spry.
3443103
I enjoyed is very much.  Good historical mystery with a plot that I could not anticipate.  Character are well developed.. not flat but with foibles
4585801
Interesting characters and a fascinating place and time make this mystery a very enjoyable read.