Narrated by James Cameron Stewart, Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose was one of my most anticipated releases. With its wonderful characters and well plotted murder-mysteries, the Wrexford & Sloane series is one of my favorites.

Murder at the Merton Library
by Andrea Penrose
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #7
Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
Length: 12 hours and 12 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned.

At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes—especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.

As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear—unless they can tie the loose threads together before it’s too late . . .

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Andrea Penrose has created magic with this series. She blends strong complex characters with engaging storylines. Each novel shares the complexities of their daily life, romance and family, all against the backdrop of historical London. She does so while delivering fresh murder-mysteries that keep me guessing. I highly recommend the series.

In Murder at the Merton Library, the Earl of Wrexford received an urgent missive from the Oxford librarian. When he arrived at the library, he discovered that someone had murdered the man and stolen a rare manuscript. Charlotte has her own investigation and is trying to determine if a laboratory fire was arson. She is curious to know if it’s related to the race to develop the first steam powered oceanic ship.

The tale that unfolds delivered a suspenseful murder-mystery. Why was Neville Greeley murdered and what was so important about the Latin manuscript? Who is responsible for the arsons? With Kit investing, Charlotte is determined to find answers. Wrexford & Sloane soon come together as pieces to the puzzle click. The historical tidbits on steam-powered ships proved fascinating.

With Peregrine off to Eton, the Weasels have a new friend. A young midshipman, and the great nephew of the Dowager Duchess Alison, Countess of Peake. Naturally, the boys give him a bird name. Osbrey. I enjoy these young folks and how Wrexford and Charlotte dote on them.

Penrose blends history, beloved characters, mystery and intrigue to create a story that transports the listener. James Cameron Stewart narrates the story and does a brilliant job with these characters and enhances the story.

Perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

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Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose delivered a wonderful edition to the Wrexford & Sloane mystery series. #historicalfiction #audiobook #JamesCameronStewart
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/09/murder-at-the-merton-library-by-andrea-penrose.html

The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy is the first novel in the Sirens In Silk series. Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, believes the castle and lands will be restored to him only to discover Raya Darwish has inherited the castle. The tale that unfolds brings a “enemies to lovers” romance with a dash of suspense all set in the English countryside.

The Duke Gets Desperate
by Diana Quincy
Series: Sirens in Silk #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor–home to twelve generations of dukes–to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back…

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I devoured The Duke Gets Desperate in just a few sittings. Quincy has a knack for pulling the reader in with rich characters and settings. I’ve enjoyed previous novels by Diana Quincy and was delighted to slip into this romance.

Raya, an America merchant and her grandmother, arrive to see her Aunt, but instead find out she died mysteriously. Raya inherits the castle that belonged to the Duchess. Strickland the Duke is none too pleased. The castle and surrounding properties have been in the family for twelve generations and are in dire financial straits.

What unfolded was a delicious “enemies to lovers” romance with a suspenseful undertone. Raya has a good head for business and immediately sets out to bring in funds. Of course, all of her ideas go against the “English ways”, and it was interesting seeing these two butt heads. Despite his anger and her frustration, the two have a sizzling chemistry and acts of kindness and joint passions bring the two together.

We have a suspenseful thread woven into the tale as the Duchess died fell from a ruin and town gossip suspects the Duke. It was well done. I loved the twists, Quincy added from the castle to staff. Our hero & heroine felt genuine, and I quickly rooted for them.

The tale wrapped up splendidly and I look forward to the next story set to release in 2024. The Duke Gets Desperate is perfect for fans of Tessa Dare.

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The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy is the first in the Sirens of Silk #historicalromance series #NewRelease #swoon #feistyheroine #enemiestolovers #bookreview
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Guardian of Torment by Michelle Manus is the fourth audiobook in the Nyx Fortuna urban fantasy series. With Nyx unstable due to fractured memories, she sends her friends & allies to hunt down a lead on the Kumir until she accidentally opens a portal. An addictive tale unfolds as Nyx deals with the consequences.

Guardian of Torment
by Michelle Manus
Series: Nyx Fortuna #4
Narrator: Desireé Ketchum
Length: 12 hours and 29 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

ust once, Nyx Fortuna would like something in her life to be easy…

Nyx has finally managed to dismantle the magic keeping her from her missing memories, but things are a bit…fractured. Her mind keeps slipping into different points in her past, and she’s not always aware of when the present is.

The issue couldn’t have come at a worse time, because she finally has a lead on the Kumir—the race of identical assassins who have hunted the Hidden to the brink of extinction—but following that lead involves another interstellar trip. Recognizing that covert operations on a foreign planet aren’t a good idea with her current problems, Nyx reluctantly agrees to let her friends go without her.

But when a malfunctioning memory combines with an unintended use of portal magic, Nyx ends up right where she shouldn’t be. Complications prevent her from returning to Earth, leaving Nyx to navigate an alien metropolis while hoping her skipping memory doesn’t get her killed.

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Nyx is struggling with her fractured memories that cause time slips and present day memory loss as the memories collide. I cannot imagine how scary it all feels for her, but understand her quest for answers.

With her mental stability fragile, she sends her friends to hunt down a lead regarding the Kumir. While they have made precautions to protect her at the station on Earth Between, things go horribly wrong when her memory shifts. Sensing danger, she grabs on to a portal that transports her to Seth. The tale that unfolds while low in action brought me closer to the characters.

I love the world building in this series from the way station to intergalactic travel and magic. Nyx and her motley crew are ones I enjoy spending time with. Like most fantasy series, one must listen to the books in this series in the order of their release. From the overall arc involving the Harvester of Worlds to Nyx’s memories, the story builds. It is also essential for the relationships as Nyx takes in strays and harbors those in danger.

Fans of character driven urban fantasy and magic will love discovering the world and characters the author has created. I love the station and magical system for travel. For fans of the series, we see some issues resolved. The ending left me satisfied.

Desireé Ketchum narrates the series and has done a splendid job of capturing the voice and personalities of each character. She enhances the overall story, and it is why I recommend the audio format.

Amazon | Audible

Guardian of Torment by Michelle Manus delivers from answers to danger as Nyx works to gain back her memories. #urbanfantasy #audiobook #DesireeKetchum #audiobookreview
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Library Love Challenge

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Lone Star Justice by John Campos seamlessly follows the thrilling events of Gunfighter’s Requiem. Set against the evocative backdrop of Old San Antonio, Texas, during Christmas of 1867, this narrative dives deeper into the tense standoff between JB Jenkins, head of the formidable Jenkins Faction, and the dogged Texas Rangers, chiefly Hondo Stone and John “Kid” Carter.

In the previous book, Hondo Stone had narrowly escaped multiple assassination attempts by JB. This new installment portrays JB Jenkins as a leader on the edge, making desperate, impulsive choices that signal his potential downfall. This shift from the meticulous tactics he once employed is a telling exploration of the perils of ineffective leadership. While Hondo and Carter are undeniably adept as gunmen, they face an opponent who boasts superior numbers. One can’t help but ponder how different the outcome might have been had JB exhibited strategic leadership, given his resources. His often ill-conceived strategies, coupled with a lack of respect for his allies, hindered his ability to foster unwavering loyalty.

A notable evolution in this Western crime thriller is Campos’s decision to delve into the personal lives of Hondo and Carter. The introduction of romantic arcs for both protagonists provides a refreshing contrast to the high-octane confrontations. It’s a joy to witness moments of genuine happiness and intimacy, which were scarce in their previous adventures.

However, while Campos’s meticulous descriptions enhance immersion, I feel they occasionally verge on excess. I think a more measured approach might have tightened the narrative. Additionally, I feel presenting Hondo with steeper challenges could have heightened the stakes, offering readers an even more gripping experience.

Overall, Lone Star Justice is an enthralling continuation, painting a vivid picture of Old West confrontations while also illuminating the intricacies of its protagonists’ hearts.

Page: 778 | ASIN : B0C3SCW14K

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/27/lone-star-justice/

Spooky Ooky Dance Party by Lisa Jacovsky is a fun, Halloween-themed book for kids. It’s a beautifully illustrated story about a cat named Moon, who enjoys secret adventures with other animal friends. Moon explains how humans don’t know everything about their pets, and sometimes, they have powers or magical abilities that allow them to explore and enjoy things that are very different from their regular lives. The book focuses specifically on Halloween and how this celebration brings together Moon and friends for an extraordinary experience.

I found the book ideal for school-aged kids and enjoyed reading it to them and their friends. It’s engaging and imaginative by encouraging kids to create interesting stories about their own pets and the unusual but fun journeys they might embark on if they, too, had access to special places and powers. The tale is narrated, in part, from Moon’s perspective, and how easy it is to sneak outside the world of humans and into a different place with magic and new possibilities. During Halloween, these adventures become more special, along with seasonal costumes, decor, and themes.

I found the lively nature of the story and illustrations to be spectacular. The author does a great job of building excitement for the reader in anticipation of what’s next. The animal characters provide a fantastic tale that’s unique in that it shows how they celebrate Halloween in a different yet similar way to humans.

Spooky Ooky Dance Party by Lisa Jacovsky is a whimsical, creative story that’s ideal during Halloween or whenever it’s a good time to inspire young kids. The story features likable characters with colorful adventures and a positive theme throughout. I found the illustrations appealing and the book easy for kids to read and understand. I highly recommend this story to grade school teachers, parents, and daycare staff.

Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0CD861FKD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/27/spooky-oooky-dance-party/

In Half-Caste by Jerome Cranston, readers journey alongside the protagonist as he delves into his family’s history and grapples with his identity as a Brown individual with South Asian heritage in a predominantly white society. Through reflections on his parents’ past, discussions on racial terminology, and the complexities of societal recognition, Cranston weaves an introspective narrative that combines family history, memory, and the challenges of self-acceptance.

Half-Caste offers a profound exploration into personal identity and the sociopolitical implications of race. The strength of the book lies in its nuanced handling of the protagonist’s journey through introspection and external interactions. Cranston skillfully navigates complex themes, emphasizing the protagonist’s internal struggles, from confronting discrepancies in his family’s history to navigating challenging social conversations.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt there were moments where the narrative felt somewhat didactic, particularly in discussions surrounding racial terminologies. While these insights were enlightening, I feel that a more subtle integration might have kept the pacing consistent. Nonetheless, the author’s style is engaging, blending personal reflections with broader societal critiques.

The setting, although not explicitly detailed in the summaries, seems to be a contemporary, Western context. This backdrop amplifies the protagonist’s feelings of being ‘othered’, reinforcing the book’s themes of belonging and identity. Characters such as Hardy, Delilah, and the protagonist’s supervisor provide external perspectives, driving the story forward and adding depth to the protagonist’s introspection.

One of the standout aspects is the book’s emphasis on the fluidity of identity. The idea that identity is continually evolving and not bound by societal constructs is a powerful takeaway, and Cranston’s protagonist beautifully exemplifies this sentiment. By the end, readers are left pondering their perceptions, biases, and the inherent complexities of racial identity.

Half-Caste is a compelling read that offers a deep dive into the intricacies of identity and the quest for self-acceptance amidst societal prejudices.

Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0CD85KJ9D

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/27/half-caste-decidedly-brown-in-a-black-or-white-world/

Hieronymus tells the fictional story of the iconic painter Hieronymus Bosch, who little is known about. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?

My book addresses mainly the condition of the artists and the freedom of creation that were always dependent on the socio-economic realities of the times they lived. The main character’s creations were ahead of his time, making Hieronymus Bosch to be regarded as the father of Surrealism. Considering the historic and religious realities of the 15th century in northern Europe, and the following religious reform, or the daily life in Northern Brabant, Bosch’s paintings are not only intriguing and mysterious, but raise questions about how they been tolerated by the Catholic Church or the Inquisition. The relationship of Hieronymus (Jeroen in dutch) with his wife Aleid van Merveene, known as being wealthy and older than him – even though, at the time, the term “older” applied to women could be very different from nowadays standards – was a great subject to touch, as fascinating as the enigmatic sect of the Adamites persecuted over the centuries by the Catholic Church. Overall, the idea of writing a fictional story about a famous painter was inspired by the freedom in his creation that transcends the centuries.

What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

The amount of research was enormous. I started to write the play with the same title in 2010. In 2012 was produced at LaMaMa ETC in New York City, and in 2014 at the National Theatre of Iasi, Romania.

In 2011, I visited ‘sHertogenbosch, Hieronymus Bosch hometown, St. John’s Cathedral, the church he frequented and some of the old streets and Central Square that are and discussed with a few local specialists in the life and works of the painter.

A big help came from a Dutch historian who published documents from the town’s archives, that was a great source of research.

I study the socio-political situation of North Brabant as well that was a part of the Holy Roman Empire at the time, and the political tensions between the locals and the Habsburg Dynasty, that was reflected in the daily life of ‘sHertogenbosch society.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Besides the artist’s position in the society, I was interested in the women’s condition at the time.

The sexuality is another important theme of the book. The Middle Ages sexuality was tapped by many writers of the time such as Geoffrey Chaucer in his “Canterbury Tales”, or Petrarca in “Decameron”. As far as Bosch’s paintings contain a lot of nudity and some explicit scenes among the horrors of the Hell depicted in his tryptic, I considered important to bring to surface this aspect of the Middle Ages daily life. I exploited as well, the existence of the strange sect of Adamites who practiced the nudism and were persecuted and executed in public spaces for their heresy.

Other main themes are the creator’s solitude, the religion and the horrors of the Inquisition.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I just finished another novel, “The Other Weapons”, inspired by the experiments with psychedelics made on human subjects by the CIA and USA Army during the Cold War.

The book follows the destinies of a young doctor and a painter whose lives are influenced by the strange military experiments. The action takes place in the late fifties and sixties at Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland and in the effervescent artistic circles on New York City.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/27/the-freedom-in-his-creation/

Through the Raging Storm follows a general store owner and his friends in a small town who investigate a mysterious object that is found after a violent thunderstorm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Hearing about the NASA Explorer on Mars made me realize it was reasonable for an alien species on another planet to send something similar here. That started me thinking about what they might do. Certainly, orbiting Earth would be a start. A technologically advanced society would have AI to learn and translate our language. And they would want to observe undetected. That’s why I chose to have the lander come down partially obscured by a lightning storm.

Vanderpool is a small community west of San Antonio set in the picturesque region of Lost Maples. Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?

I researched several alternatives that would are remote, rural locations. I liked the fact that Vanderpool is not too far from San Antonio and Austin. And it’s a scenic part of the country with rugged and unoccupied areas. I wanted to make the location details in the story as accurate as possible and used Google Maps to drive the roads. If you visit you can go to the Winery and the Motorcycle Museum. You can eat where Joe and his friends ate.

The people in the town and the outsiders are all drawn to this discovery, wanting to know more and to claim it for themselves. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition and desire to understand the unknown that you think make for great fiction?

I have always been intrigued by how ordinary people are able to respond to unexpected events. In my first book, Will Normal Return, a possible but unexpected event happened and affected people in a small mountain community. I think stories that show the reader how others deal with events that disrupt their lives can have a message that goes beyond the story. In Through The Raging Storm Joe’s curiosity leads to the involvement of his friends. What they discover and conflict with outsiders changes their lives. There is interaction between friends, the decisions they make, their personalities and personal interests. It changes Joe’s relationship with Martha for the rest of their lives

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be published?

My next book will be pure science fiction. It’s called Escape From Tridon and involves a desperate attempt by aliens seeking a new planetary home. Their scientists have identified Earth as the best fit for their species. It is planned for release in November.

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/27/unexpected-events/