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Tag Archives: 5 stars

The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip Through Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong – Review

25 Thursday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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5 stars, Book Review, historical mystery, Kelley Armstrong, series, time travel

Review of The Poisoner’s Ring

The Poisoner’s Ring continues the story of detective Mallory Atkinson as she is trying to adjust to her life in a previous century.  Her trip to 1869 Edinburgh is still mysterious and, as yet, irreversible.

Adjustment is a challenge to a 21st century woman who was accustomed to living life on her own terms, as opposed to being a female servant in a Doctor’s household.  Dr. Duncan Grey, and his sister Isla both know who she really is and allow her to help out in more substantial ways than a typical maid would.  In this book, Mallory will be helping to find the culprits behind several poisonings.  Duncan’s oldest sister, Annis, is a prime suspect, making the Grey household involvement in the investigation a bit problematic. 

Mallory’s character is growing nicely, as is Duncan and his sister.  And yet, Mallory is always thinking about getting home even as she grows closer to Duncan and Isla.  

It is still challenging for Mallory to ‘blend’ in.  She doesn’t act like a maid – at all.  Always going where women don’t go, asserting herself, speaking informally with her ‘betters’.  Her use of 21st century colloquialisms tends to confuse the locals.  This adds humor in some instances, and tension in others.  Still, she is appreciated for her brain and problem-solving skills.  While 19th century crime solving leaves much to be desired, Mallory is lucky to be working with the Duncan and Isla, who have both embraced scientific techniques and integrity.

The term ‘poisoner’s ring’ refers to ring of women who murder their loved ones, possibly with the help of another person.  The multiple deaths by poison lead the police, newspapers, and public to suspect such a ring.  However, before this convoluted, complicated killer scheme will be resolved, there will be many twists, turns, and surprises.  This book is full of lots of little mysteries and one great big plot.  There are many suspects and even though Annis is not really a very nice person, as the reader, I did not cheer against her, lest the Grey family, and by extension, Mallory, come out the worse for wear.

Both books in this series can be read as standalone.  Reading them in order will give insight to Mallory’s circumstance in Edinburgh’s past.  The Poisoner’s Ring is for readers who enjoy humor, drama, mystery, police procedurals, and mixing modern day logic with historical crime-solving mayhem. 

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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About The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong

Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.

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The Bond (The Secret Tales, #1) by Sanna Brand – Review

19 Friday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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5 stars, historical romance, horses, intrigue, Napoleonic Wars, romance, Sanna Brand, series, Vicki Stiefel

Review of The Bond

Rose has stubbornly refused to marry.  There are many reasons, including a secret from her past.  But perhaps the best reason is to maintain control of the property and money she inherited from her mother, thereby remaining independent.  The problem is, her father, the earl, covets that property and will do anything to get it, including forcing Rose to marry against her will.  The despicable man uses leverage that Rose cannot ignore. 

Rose has loved Rhys, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, since she was a child.  They have been close friends ever since.  Rhys is recently returned from the war in France, a hero, and the first thing he does is seek out Rose with the purpose of courting her.  The Earl’s choice for Rose happens to be an adversary of Rhys.  You can probably see that there will be all sorts of trouble for Rose and Rhys.

Rose is an intelligent young woman who is not afraid to express her opinion.  Which, of course, offends the insecure men around her.  She is also very protective of the family she loves and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.  Rhys is likewise protective of Rose and of his own family.  He suffers from the occasional bout of PTSD, (though that is now what is was called in those days).

The story is considerably more complex that you might think from the synopsis.  You will find horses, horse breeding, and horse acrobats. Kalari (Indian martial arts), attempted kidnapping, false engagement, England’s war with France, as well as some unsavory aspects such as attempted forced marriage, blackmail, and rape. 

There are some things not explained well, mostly pertaining to Rhys’s family. I hope future stories will give more details, especially about the enigmatic Thomasina.  I am guessing the series is going to be about the Ravenscroft siblings and promises to be full of intrigue and adventure!

Sanna Brand is the alter ego of Vicki Stiefel, author of the fantasy series, The Made Ones Saga. It was a no-brainer to read The Bond since I am a fan of Ms. Stiefel. The Bond will appeal to fans of historical fiction who enjoy romance and intrigue.  The twists and turns in this plot will keep the pages turning! 

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book. My review is my honest opinion.

About The Bond by Sanna Brand

Rosamund is at a dangerous crossroads… Lady Rosamund Fielding hides a secret so terrible it could ruin her, her family, and Major General Lord Rhys Lansdowne, the man she loves.

Rose and Rhys were inseparable in childhood—their friendship was the one shining light in Rose’s dark upbringing. Yet when Rhys proposes, Rose refuses, for he can never know her shameful truth.

Returned from the Napoleonic wars and now the Marquess of Ravenscroft, Rhys is determined to uncover the reason behind Rose’s rejection and win her hand and her heart once and for all.

Yet Rose’s father, Earl Fielding, is demanding Rose accept Brigadier Viscount Pennworth’s marriage proposal, threatening dire consequences if she does not obey. Time is of the essence as Rose faces this difficult crossroad, where she is forced to confront past demons and choose a path. Should she marry Rhys, deceiving him, and forever be branded a liar in his eyes? She cannot. Wed Pennworth? Never. Or flee? Away from Rhys, away from her father, and away from all she holds dear. Rose has faced many dangerous choices in her life. Will this final one destroy her?

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MicroP (The Cyborg Chronicles, #5) by Pauline Baird Jones – Review

18 Thursday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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5 stars, aliens, cyborgs, favorite series, Pauline Baird Jones, robots, scifi, scifi romance, series, space opera

Review of MicroP

Long ago, an intrepid explorer set out from her isolated world and was never seen again.  Her ship, however, was found by the cyborgs and is now flown by MicroP (Mic). 

The ship has a certain subtle intelligence to it.  It has taking a liking to Mic which has enabled the cyborg to uncover many of its secrets.  Now, Mic is on a mission to test his new ship and explore the space and possibly the world the ship came from.  Along the way, Mic discovers something else is headed toward that planet and it has disastrous intentions towards it. 

From that planet, Seladon, comes Remi, an adventurous explorer who happens to be the granddaughter of Seladon’s original lost explorer.  Remi and Mic join forces to figure out who is behind the evil and determine what to do about it. 

Even though they are from two different worlds, they are surprisingly similar.  It really is a small universe!  In MicroP, adventure and danger abound, but our heroes and heroines are up to the task. 

There were some unanswered questions about the bad guys.  For example, why, exactly, did the have a grudge against Seladon?  Perhaps a future story will enlighten us. Speaking of future tales, in MicroP, a couple of Mic’s former shipmates join in the fun/danger.  I was delighted to see these two characters appear, because I’m pretty sure that is a hint of stories to come in this delightful series. 

MicroP is for anyone who enjoys a little light romance woven into very entertaining space opera.  5 stars!

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book.  My review is my honest opinion.

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About MicroP by Pauline Baird Jones

Mic, a cyborg with exceptional abilities, has spent far too long planet-side. Restless, he escapes into space aboard his newfound ship… and stumbles upon a dangerous threat that will change his life forever.

Remi has followed in her grandmother’s footsteps. A brilliant and determined explorer, she has always dreamed of learning if there is life beyond her solar system. Her work as a crew member on a space station finally gives her the chance to explore the unknown… and search for answers about her grandmother’s lost spaceship.

Mic’s appearance shakes Remi’s world. Not only is an alien cyborg flying her grandmother’s ship, he also delivers devastating news. Remi knows if she is to discover the truth, she must learn to trust Mic and join forces with him to stop the threat to her world and outsmart an enemy who will stop at nothing to destroy her people.

Navigating the dangerous landscape of space, Mic and Remi’s feelings for each other grow even as the danger around them threatens to destroy their dreams. Will their love be strong enough to survive the challenges that lie ahead, or will they fall victim to the enemy’s wrath?

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Recent Posts

  • The Dueling Duchess (Wicked Women of Whitechapel, #2) by Minerva Spencer – Review
  • The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip Through Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong – Review
  • The Bond (The Secret Tales, #1) by Sanna Brand – Review
  • MicroP (The Cyborg Chronicles, #5) by Pauline Baird Jones – Review
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