Murder in Blackfriars: A Below Stairs Mystery by Jennifer Ashley

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

my thoughts:

A new-to-me series about an amateur sleuth named Kat Holloway. She's determined to help her boyfriend solve a murder in order to find out more about his past. Yep, there is mystery, murder, romance, and, Victorian London. How fun does that sound? Plus, unforgettable characters and an unputdownable story. This is the latest book in the Jennifer Ashley's popular series, A Below Stairs Mystery, and from what I understand it is her last one unless she signs a new contract. So, looks like I may have stumbled upon a great new series right at the very end...hmm...hopefully not. 

All I know is that I really enjoyed getting lost in London and getting to know Kat and Daniel. I definitely plan on reading the other books in the series and I do hope that a new one or three are forthcoming in the future. I would happily recommend this book to fans of Ashley and to anyone looking for their next great murder mystery read - you are going to enjoy this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A bounty hunter must outrun her past before it catches up to her in this pulse-pounding new standalone thriller 

Bounty hunter Elle Randolph takes on every case she can, in an effort to outrun herself. Three years ago, she was the only one who walked away from a car crash that killed her husband and two others. Although she was cleared of any wrongdoing, she is fueled by guilt and dedicated to solving other people’s problems. But her running is over when she’s identified as a person of interest in a murder investigation.

Detective Ronan Clarke, a single dad for fifteen years, has been laser-focused on raising his daughter and serving the people of Mendocino County, California. He’s got everything under control—until a bounty hunter enters his jurisdiction, keeping secrets and bringing murder to his quiet town. The hunter is definitely involved in his current case, but exactly how is his question. Could she be his killer? As he unravels her secrets, he becomes increasingly troubled by what he finds. While Elle is forced to reexamine every painful memory of the life she left behind, Ronan grows more and more sure of her innocence. But can he trust himself to uncover the truth amid their growing attraction?

my thoughts:

A romantic suspense murder mystery? Hmm...sounds like a lot, but it all falls into place perfectly in this captivating new novel by Karen Rose. The One Who Walked Away is a terrific story that will grab you right from the start and keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. I absolutely enjoyed getting caught up in Elle's and Ronan's investigation and witnessing their intense attraction. It was such a treat to settle down with characters that you actually want to get to know. Plus, I really enjoyed sleuthing along as I read this unputdownable story. What a treat!

I would happily recommend The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose to her fans and to anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to love this one to bits! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

My Friday Five...

1. Finished Mothersick by Lottie Hazell and loved it to bits!

2. Continuing The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley, which my friend Meredith really enjoyed. 

3. Watched the first two episodes of The Shards and haven't decided if I'll continue to watch. I liked the book, but not sure I like the show.

4. I'm watching Paris is Always a Good Idea on Hallmark and find myself complaining about it, even though I love seeing Paris and Ireland. I'm just not liking Lacey's character, Chelsea. Also, why does Hallmark always try to age down actors when they should just let the actors play their age? I mean giving Lacey bangs to make her look like a grad student only makes her look older. Ridiculous! It's like that Christmas movie where Danica was portraying a 28 year old and she clearly looks her like a woman in her 40s. Seriously! Hallmark, what is wrong with being 40? 

5. I still have a cough, but am feeling loads better. Hopefully this flu is finally saying goodbye. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. Ice cream cake is my favorite type of birthday cake. Yum!

2. Mothersick by Lottie Hazell is turning out to be a favorite book. I am loving reading it and am taking my time with each chapter. The book will be released next year in January, but I am so grateful I was able to get my hands on an early copy. I am in love!

3. I ordered books for my birthday - hooray! 

Wishing you all a lovely rest of the week! Happy reading!

Monday Musings...

 This flu won't let me go. Ugh. So, I'm reading, or trying to. These are the two books:

I love the book covers and I love the writing. These two are turning out to be gems. 

And now, I am going to get a cuppa and see what I am up to doing today. 

Happy reading!