The Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas has become a favorite. I look forward to each audiobook release. A Ruse of Shadows is the eighth audiobook in the Lady Sherlock series narrated by Kate Reading. This time, Charlotte finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of Lord Bancroft. Twists, suspense, danger and more await you…..

A Ruse of Shadows
by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #8
Narrator: Kate Reading
Length: 13 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Charlotte Holmes is accustomed to solving crimes, not being accused of them, but she finds herself in a dreadfully precarious position as the bestselling Lady Sherlock series continues.

Charlotte’s success on the RMS Provence has afforded her a certain measure of time and assurance. Taking advantage of that, she has been busy, plotting to prise the man her sister loves from Moriarty’s iron grip.

Disruption, however, comes from an unexpected quarter. Lord Bancroft Ashburton, disgraced and imprisoned as a result of Charlotte’s prior investigations, nevertheless manages to press Charlotte into service: Underwood, his most loyal henchman, is missing and Lord Bancroft wants Charlotte to find Underwood, dead or alive.

But then Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead and Charlotte, more than anyone else, meets the trifecta criteria of motive, means, and opportunity. Never mind rescuing anyone else, with the law breathing down her neck, can Charlotte save herself from prosecution for murder?

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Squee! I love Thomas’s take on Sherlock and love Scarlett and her motley crew of friends. After the events on board RMS Provence, Charlotte’s back on dry land and growing out her locks. She has also been looking for ways to foil Moriarty plans.

Charlotte, alas, is pressed into service by none other than Lord Bancroft Ashburton. Bancroft remains behind prison walls, thanks to Scarlett. However, his man, Underwood, has gone missing, and she’s tasked with finding him. Lord Bancroft won’t take no for an answer. Unfortunately, he is very persuasive.

The tale that unfolds held me captive from interviewing Underwood’s girlfriend to murders from long ago. When Lord Bancroft ends up dead, the police detective believes Charlotte guilty of the crime. The mystery was well done with clever twists, danger and pulse-pounding action that kept me listening.

We had a little page time with Lord Ingram, Charlotte’s love interest. While not as much as I would have liked, each moment was delicious with sweet confessions.

I was delighted by the way Thomas brought the threads together and revealed the events as they actually happened. A clever tale that left me eager for the next book. Perfect for fans of clever protagonists, fans of Sherlock Holmes and murder mysteries.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/a-ruse-of-shadows-by-sherry-thomas.html

Aftermath Boy, by Robert E. Honig, is a poignant narrative centered on Billy Cohen, the sole offspring of Holocaust survivors Rozsa and Bertie Cohen. The novel intricately explores Billy’s complex identity as a Son of Holocaust Survivors, which profoundly influences his life decisions and his understanding of Jewish identity in America amidst a backdrop of persistent antisemitism. His fervent critiques of the government and a fleeting association with the Communist Labor Party lead to strained family ties and draw unwanted attention from the FBI. As tension escalates, Billy is accused of tampering with the ballot boxes during the 2024 Presidential Election, culminating in a trial that challenges his freedom and ideals.

Honig masterfully interweaves the narrative of Billy’s mother, Rozsa, offering a harrowing glimpse into her past. The book recounts her youth in Budapest, the forced displacement from her home, and the grim ordeal of the Vienna Death March leading to forced labor in Dachau. Her eventual escape and arduous journey to America provide a stark contrast to Billy’s modern struggles, linking past and present through shared experiences of trauma and resilience. The novel emphasizes the universal human condition, illustrating that despite differing times and unique challenges, fundamental experiences of love, grief, adversity, and triumph bind us all. Honig’s analysis of how the past reverberates into the present is both compelling and insightful, making this book a moving exploration of historical and contemporary themes.

The dual-narrative structure is executed with remarkable skill, seamlessly transporting readers between different eras. The novel’s fluid transitions between current events, such as the tumultuous recent U.S. election, and vivid historical recountings are both engaging and relevant. The meticulously researched historical segments authentically convey the brutal realities of the Holocaust, bringing to life the stark horrors faced by survivors.

While the book’s mature themes may not be suitable for younger readers, Aftermath Boy will captivate adults, particularly those with an interest in historical fiction centered on the Holocaust. Honig’s storytelling provides a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on how history continues to shape contemporary identity and society.

Pages: 383 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CYLS5PXL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/24/aftermath-boy/

Dream Fisher, by Pete Beebe, is an engrossing metaphysical adventure novel that explores the boundaries between reality and dreams. The story centers on Jason Sanders, a man disillusioned with the monotony of his everyday life. His encounter with Loansome, a mysterious wanderer who can navigate dreams, kicks off a surreal adventure and transformative journey. Throughout this journey, Jason faces various challenges, such as fighting a mountain lion and forming unexpected connections, ultimately leading him to discover profound truths and a renewed sense of purpose.

Beebe is a master of the metaphysical genre. The vivid description of the setting creates striking imagery that further draws readers into an engaging plot. A standout quality of the author’s writing is the philosophical depth given to the character’s development. From the start, readers are drawn into a world where the lines between the tangible and the imagined are beautifully blurred. Jason’s evolution from a detached observer of life to someone profoundly invested in making a difference highlights the story’s exploration of self-discovery and existential yearning. The relationship between Jason and Loansome is not only a driving force in the plot but also serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper truths about human connection and the nature of dreams. “In dream-time, we see what we want to see. It’s not really what we want…It’s what our souls want so we can be healed…”

Dream Fisher prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and the essence of reality itself. The dream sequences are particularly noteworthy, each crafted with a richness that makes them feel both otherworldly and intimately familiar. This novel is a must-read for those seeking an adventure within their own consciousness. It is not just a story but an invitation to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and explore the deeper currents that shape our reality. Highly recommended.

Pages: 222 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2VFZKVN

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/24/dream-fisher/

Antonio Nicassio’s Nevada Lowball is a gripping action thriller that follows the engaging journey of Wes and Maggie, a dynamic couple entangled in a web of illicit activities orchestrated by Maggie’s brother, James, and his friend. The novel deftly intertwines elements reminiscent of spy and superhero genres, offering a rich and engaging tale.

Nicassio excels in crafting compelling characters. Wes emerges as a consummate protagonist, portrayed as deeply committed to his wife and steadfastly loyal to his friends. Maggie, on the other hand, is depicted as a hopeful and endearing young woman, with dreams and aspirations in stark contrast to the chaos around her. As the story unfolds, we witness the harrowing disruption of their tranquil lives, dragged into an unavoidable confrontation that promises to alter their existence irrevocably. The author’s skill in character development ensures that both heroes and villains are rendered with depth and nuance, making their interactions and conflicts resonate powerfully throughout the narrative.

Nevada Lowball captivates with its high-octane action scenes, each sequence meticulously crafted to enhance the suspense and excitement. Nicassio’s storytelling prowess shines as the plot progresses in unexpected yet logical directions, keeping readers intrigued and often on the edge of their seats. The evolution of the characters feels authentic and is marked by a series of twists that, while novel and engaging, I believe occasionally strain believability.

The novel sets an ambitious tone right from the prologue, establishing strong character motivations and building anticipation for the thrilling action that follows. Nicassio masterfully introduces scenes that showcase the resilience and resourcefulness of the protagonists, adding to the excitement of their journey. Events that seem to defy plausibility add a layer of dramatic flair that enhances the narrative’s adventurous spirit. These elements contribute to a dynamic and engaging storyline, highlighting the heroes’ determination and creating memorable moments that captivate readers.

Nevada Lowball remains a compelling read with a strong conceptual foundation and heartfelt execution. The novel offers a satisfying blend of action and character-driven drama, culminating in a conclusion that is both fulfilling and open to future adventures. Nicassio has crafted a noteworthy entry in the action thriller genre, leaving readers eager for the continuation of Wes and Maggie’s saga. Antonio Nicassio’s Nevada Lowball is a testament to his talent in creating a thrilling narrative with memorable characters, and it sets a promising stage for what is to come in the series.

Pages: 233 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2X59WWD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/24/nevada-lowball/

Saylor Crawmore’s ongoing anxiety has not only disrupted her life, but as Saylor fears, may have also affected her teenage children. Even though her husband scoffs at her concerns-tells her that their kids are fine-Saylor still wonders if her issues have caused what she suspects is her son’s obsessive-compulsive disorder and her daughter’s body dysmorphia. Through all this, Saylor must also contend with her narcissistic mother, who blames Saylor for her own unhappiness.

Saylor has tried everything she can think of to combat her fears, including self-help books, therapy, and medication. Nothing, so far, has worked. Yet, when she reconnects with her childhood friend, Billy, Saylor begins to hope. Homeless and alone since his teens, Billy brings to light Saylor’s buried memory about the fateful night that led to her anxiety. Sage-like and empathetic, yet also paranoid and delusional, he vanishes after their encounter. Devastated, Saylor sets out on a quest to find him again, a journey in which the kindness of strangers leads to her own acceptance and healing-while also revealing a long-held secret that ultimately unites her to Billy in a way she never thought possible.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/24/the-grace-of-crows-second-edition/

Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back follows two heroes who face off with a disgruntled inventor and set out to save the world’s water supply from being poisoned. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I had just watched the Original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I noticed the media frenzy surrounding the visit to the factory. In the movie, Charlie as the good kid hero, and I started to think how the media covered the spoiled kids, even picturing how they would be portrayed on social media today. That was the spark, and I had the story to make these kids the heroes in the end.

Do you have a favorite scene in this novel? One that was especially fun to craft?

Well, I love my illustrator, Andy Case, and I love the job he did with Chunky Chocodoodle’s factory. I also love the wedding scene with Droodle the Poodle and Doo Doo Kidoodle.

The imagery in your book is phenomenal. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Andy Case?

Andy is amazing. I do the story blocks and give him my vision of what I see on the pages. He just then ramps it up a bit. When he sends me the illustrations, it is like opening up presents by the Christmas tree!

Can fans look forward to another installment of the Snoodles in Space series? If so, where will it take your characters?

Yes. Andy is now working on Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz. It is music-themed, inspired by Andy’s first album Leap of Faith. We have some fun new characters like Swift Swoodle and the DooWopadoodles, Flootle the Poodle, and the Trash Can Cats, and there are even more!

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/24/the-good-kid-hero/