Murder in Moscow ( Kitty Lane and Fiona Rigg #5) by Kelly Oliver- blog tour and book review

I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for the Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver.

1918 Moscow
Will following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job.
Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she arrives at the grand Metropol Hotel, the bounder has vanished.
After Fiona doesn’t show up for work at the War Office, Kitty Lane raises a red flag and tracks her to Russia. Seeking haven at the British Embassy, Kitty and Fiona become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Bolshevik government.
But the plot turns deadly when Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the Bolsheviks’ Head of Secret Police. And when Viktor turns up dead in his study, Fiona finds herself wanted for murder and on the lam.
Can Fiona and Kitty find the real killer and escape the Kremlin before it’s too late? Or will this dangerous game of Russian roulette be their last?

Review (click on title for reviews of Chaos of Carnegie Hall, Covert in Cairo, Mayhem in the Mountains, Arsenic at Ascot.)

I enjoyed the fifth instalment in the Kitty Lane and Fiona Rigg mysteries. Here is my review of Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver- historical thriller.

I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Although, this is the fifth book in the series, Murder in Moscow can be read as a standalone  without any difficulty. Although I would recommend reading all the books the series to truly appreciate Fiona’s complicated love life.

As always, the book is based on real events in history, and I was fascinated to read about the Ambassador plot and how Russia changed when the Bolsheviks came to power. I was fascinated with the Tsarist movement and their plot to bring the Tsar back to power.

Fiona has run off to Moscow following her heart ( or lust) to be with the Fredricks but of course becomes embroiled with a Countess and thrown into prison. Kitty comes to her rescue and but Fiona has to go undercover as Nanny in the head of secret service household.

There is plenty of action, humour and of course romance with a murder mystery thrown in. Kitty has more of role in this book with her own POV chapters, but she remains as mysterious as ever. I would have liked to have more Clifford but Fiona finally makes a choice between her two men!

Fiona remains a complicated mix of a woman who leads a free life and enjoys espionage but is also prim and proper but as always, she has a hilarious view on  life.

Perfect for Fans

Of cosy historical murder mysteries.

Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver- Book review and blog Tour.

London, 1918​

Fiona Figg finds herself back in Old Blighty saddled with shuffling papers for the war office. Then a mysterious card arrives, inviting her to a fancy house party at Mentmore Castle. This year’s Ascot-themed do will play host to a stable of animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with infiltrating the activists and uncovering possible anti-war activity.​

Disguised as the Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona is more than ready for the “mane” event, but the odds are against her when both her arch nemesis, dark-horse Fredrick Fredricks, and would-be fiancé Lieutenant Archie Somersby arrive unexpectedly and “stirrup” her plans. And when a horse doctor thuds to the floor in the next guest room, Fiona finds herself investigating a mysterious poisoning with some very hairy clues.​

Can Fiona overcome the hurdles and solve both cases, or will she be pipped to the post and put out to pasture by the killer?

Thank you at @Racheal Random Resources, NetGalley and Boldwood books for my eARC

Review

I really enjoyed immersing myself in Fiona Rigg’s latest and just as chaotic adventure, Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver, the next instalment in the cosy historical crime series- Fiona Rigg and Kitty Lane Mysteries-

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

I’ve become a fan of these historical cosy mysteries and look forward to each new instalment, so was excited to be given a chance to review this book ahead of its publication. But you don’t need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this book but I would definitely recommend reading the others.

Read more: Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver- Book review and blog Tour.

This serious is humorous and while touching upon the horrors of World War One always manages to leave feeling optimistic and content when I finish reading the last page.

Fiona Rigg continues to be a hilarious mix of modern womanhood and old-fashioned values. The book picks up soon after the events of the Mayhem in the Mountains (review here). She finally receives the recognition she deserves for being an effective spy and is on her first undercover mission with two new identities. But of course, the two men in her life Archie and Frederick, crash her mission with hilarious consequences.

There was more romance in this book, I could really feel the attraction Fiona had for Fredericks in this book, an attraction that has been slowly building over the last few books and I loved the softer side of Fredericks. Clifford and Kitty and not forgetting Poppy play their parts in helping Fiona.

The book is set in wartime Ascot and London which is definitely less exotic than the previous setting of Fiona’s adventures, but the author describes this world perfectly. I never knew about the conscription of animals on the frontline and that the animal rights movement had started around this time.

As always, I love reading any author’s note and I was fascinated to find out that one of the main characters is based on a real-life spy!

I can’t wait to read Fiona’s next adventure.

Content Warning

References to animal experimentation

Perfect for fans of

Verity Bright

About Kelly Oliver​

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Blackmail in Bloomsbury by Anna Sayburn Lane- Book review and blog tour

Here is my review of this historical cosy murder mystery by Anna Sayburn Lane.

A bohemian party, a handsome artist – and murder. London, October 1922. When Marjorie Swallow attends her first Bloomsbury party, she worries the conversation will be over her head. But when the night ends in murder, she has more pressing concerns. Was the culprit really the handsome young artist she danced the night away with? And why did so many people want Betty Norris dead? From the garden squares of Bloomsbury to the smart restaurants of Piccadilly and the seedy backstreets of Soho, apprentice detective Marjorie goes on a perilous hunt for the killer.

Thank you @Random Things Tours and Starling Street Books for a copy of my book

Review

I really enjoyed Blackmail in Bloomsbury by Anna Sayburn Lane- a lovely cosy crime murder set in 1920’s London.

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Majorie enjoys her first Bloomsbury party despite meeting the out of place and possibly nasty Mrs Norris who is later found murdered. Marjorie then embarks on an investigation to find the killer with her American boss Mrs Jamieson, along with plenty of tea!

I finished this book in one go and found this an entertaining and fun read. Mrs Jamieson is formidable character, and I loved her interactions with her suspects. Majorie, the main point of view character and I loved her zest of life.

The murder itself is suitably mysterious and while the motive is obvious, there are plenty of suspects for our detective duo to eliminate.

The author brings the party like (almost rave like) atmosphere of the 1920’s to life and captures the sense of a society on the verge of change.

It was refreshing to see the police detectives in this book actually appreciate the help of Mrs Jamieson – but is there another mystery there as why the police are happy to rely on her and what happened in her past to make her so competent. I will definitely read the next book to find out more.

Perfect for fans of

Agatha Christie, M.C Beeton and Michelle Salter.

About Anna Sayburn Lane

Anna is a writer and journalist, living by the sea on the Kent coast. Blackmail In Bloomsbury marks a new direction for Anna’s writing, switching from contemporary thrillers with a historical back-story into cosy historical mysteries. Anna is fascinated by the 1920s, a period of enormous social change that can seem both very modern and more than 100 years ago. Anna enjoys research in the British Library, coastal walks, summer swimming and yoga on the beach. Blackmail In Bloomsbury is her fifth no

Roman Nights by Dorothy Dunnett- book review and blog tour

Here is my review of Dorothy Dunnett’s Dolly Mystery, Roman Nights featuring Johnson Johnson

If Ruth had stayed on leave, none of it might have happened. An astronomer working at the Maurice Frazer Observatory, Ruth Russell is enjoying her time in Rome.That is until Charles Digham, top fashion photographer and Ruth’s lover, has his camera stolen and the thief ends up a headless corpse in the zoo park toletta. The enigmatic Johnson Johnson, in Rome to paint a portrait of the Pope, is on hand to unravel the mystery.But as Johnson and Ruth begin the search for clues it soon becomes clear that more is at stake than the secrets of a couture house… something far more deadly.

Thank you Random Things Tours and Farrago books for my copy of this book

Review

I think Roman Nights by Dorothy Dunnett is my favourite Dolly mystery so far- a little less complicated than the earlier book but still zany.

I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

The Dolly Mysteries featuring Johnson Johnson, portrait painter and spy have been rereleased under different names and in chronological order rather than its original publication date. Interestingly the books are told from the point of view of several strong women characters and our view of Johnston is formed through their eyes.

Roman nights was previously published under the name Dolly and the Starry Bird in 1973 , the fourth book if going by publication dates, and it does feel that Johnson character has become more likeable ,less enigmatic and definitely more approachable.

Ruth Russell is the heroine, an astronomer and remains happily unwed to her photographer boyfriend gets caught up in strange events when someone tries to steal a camera. I found, by the end of the book, I still had very little idea about Ruth or her life which is complete contrast to the larger-than-life heroines from the previous book.  Ruth came across an ordinary young woman trying her best to manage the situation she found, and perhaps because of this, I find her the most relatable and sympathetic Dolly heroine.

The plot and action is a little easier to follow compared to the previous book but still packs a lot in it’s slim page count- we are talking dangerous balloons, bodies in freezers, trigger happy policeman, unhinged ex-girlfriends to name a few of the plot twists. In fact, I will never look at red and blue balloons the same way again.

Even though this isn’t the first book in the Dolly series either chronologically or by date of publication, I think this would be great introduction to Dorothy Dunnet’s fiction. Roman Nights is more accessible read of Dunnett’s remarkable ability to write complex plots, with enigmatic heroes, plenty of twists and action all of which are set in some exotic and gorgeous locations.

Perfect for Fans

Of the Dolly mysteries ( click on title for my review)  Tropical Issue, Rum Affair, Ibiza Surprise, Operation Nassau.

Chasing The Dragon by Mark Wightman- Book review and Blog Tour

Here is my review of Chasing the Dragon by Mark Wightman- historical crime fiction

Singapore, 1940
A local fisherman finds the body of a missing American archaeologist
Detective Inspector Betancourt of the Singapore Marine Police is first on the scene. Something doesn’t quite add up. He finds out that the archaeologist, Richard Fulbright, was close to deciphering the previously untranslatable script on a pre-colonial relic known as the Singapore Stone. This was no accidental drowning.
Is there more to this case than archaeological rivalries?
Betancourt also discovers that Fulbright had been having an affair. He is sure he is onto something bigger than just academic infighting.
A government opium factory draws criminal interest
In his investigations into the death, Betancourt finds his own life in danger, and now he has also put himself on the wrong side of British Military Intelligence, and he is unsure which set of opponents he fears the most…

Thank you, Hobeck Books, for my ecopy

Review

I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for Chasing The Dragon by Mark Wightman- historical crime fiction set in 1940’s Singapore.

I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Chasing The Dragon is set in Singapore, 1940 and the book beautifully describes this multicultural country- the strict and strange societal structures, the smells, the foods, and the chaos. I loved this aspect of this book.

Inspector Max Bettancourt is the main point of view character, and he drives the story as doggedly tries to find out of who has killed an American archaeologist. He continues to investigate this despite opposing bosses, bombs, people expecting racing tips and a complicated love life. Some of his interactions bring humour to the book.

There are also plenty of strong female characters with plenty of suspects and motives.

There is plenty of action and tension right till the end where poor Bettancourt hears some terrible news. and thankfully very little gore.

Perfect for fans of

Historical crime fiction

Ibiza Surprise by Dorothy Dunnett – Blog tour/book review

I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for Ibiza Surprise by Dorothy Dunnett, book three in The Dolly Mysteries.

When Sarah Cassells, a British girl who has just completed her training as a chef, hears of her father’s violent death on Ibiza, she refuses to believe it is suicide. She goes to Ibiza to investigate and becomes involved with an art dealer; with two beautiful jetsetters; with her brother’s strange predicament; with a remarkable American woman who is not all what she seems – and with Johnson Johnson, the mysterious portrait painter who shows up on his yacht, Dolly. As Ibiza prepares to celebrate Holy Week with the traditional processions, events become more and more macabre.

Thank you @RandomTTours and @Farragobooks for my copy of the book.

Review

Dorothy Dunnett really knows how to hook her readers and I enjoyed trying to guess the twist in the murder mystery with a touch of PG Wodehouse in Ibiza Surprise,

Read more: Ibiza Surprise by Dorothy Dunnett – Blog tour/book review

The Dolly Mysteries featuring Johnson Johnson, portrait painter and spy have been rereleased under different names and in chronological order rather than its original publication date. Interestingly the books are told from the point of view of several strong women characters and our view of Johnston is formed through their eyes.

I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Sarah Cressel, is the posh but poor heroine whose main aim is to find a rich husband while working as a cook to keep up with the lifestyles of her rich friends. She heads to Ibiza, when she is suspicious of her father’s suicide and bumps into Johnson who is dragged into her investigation or is she dragged into his. Sarah is young, chaotic without a clear plan but as with all the Dolly mysteries’ heroines, Sarah is much more than what she seems, and I loved her ending.

I enjoyed Ibiza Surprise more than the Rum Affair- the plot and the characters were easier to follow. Even though the book was rammed full of action and hilarious scenes, it was easier to keep track of the stories who all the characters was. There are plenty of suspects and motives- all unique and fascinating.

I enjoy trying to guess who the murderer in a murder mystery, but I was wrong with Ibiza surprise even though Dunnett but on my second reading the hints where clearly there.

Johnson plays a more peripheral role in this book and is a much more likable character although I do wonder if he does ,actually, manage to finish a portrait one day.

Content Warning

References to suicide.

Perfect for Fans of

Clever murder mysteries with lots of humour, Rum Affair ( review here) and Tropical Issue ( review here)

Murder at Waldenmere Lake by Michelle Salter- Book review

Here is my review of Murder at  Waldenmere Lake by Michelle Salter- historical murder mystery.

Walden, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction.

After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can’t afford to keep the lake and build a convalescent home on its shores yet they still battle with Walden Council and a railway company for ownership. But an old mansion used as an officer training academy stands where the railway company plans to build a lakeside hotel. It belongs to General Cheverton – and he won’t leave his home.

When the General is found murdered, it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere. Iris thinks she can take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But nothing prepares her for the devastation that’s to come…

Review

I enjoyed Murder at Waldenmere by Michelle Salter- a historical murder mystery set in 1921 and the second book of the Iris Woodmore mysteries( link to review to the first book below)

The Darkest Sin by D.V Bishop – Blog Tour and Book review

I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for The Darkest Sin by D. V Bishop- a historical murder mystery set in 1537 Florence.

This locked room mystery is set in a Renaissance Florence convent during the spring of 1537. When Cesare Aldo investigates a report of intruders at the Convent of Santa Maria Magdalena, he enters a community that is harbouring dark secrets and divided by bitter rivalries. His case becomes far more complicated when he discovers the impossible: a naked man’s body deep inside the convent, stabbed more than two dozen times. All the evidence suggests one of the nuns must be a killer…

Review

I really enjoyed this historical murder mystery set in 1537 Florence. The Darkest Sin by D V Bishop is a must-read for anyone who likes a good murder with plenty of historical detail.

Death at Crookham Hall by Michelle Salter – Book review and Blog Tour

I’m pleased to be part of the Racheal’s Random Resources Blog Tour for Death at Crookham Hall by Michelle Salter.

A fatal jump. A missing suffragette. An inexplicable murder. 

London, 1920. When she catches news of a big story, reporter Iris Woodmore rushes to the House of Commons. But it’s a place that holds painful memories. In 1914, her mother died there when she fell into the River Thames during a daring suffragette protest. But in the shadow of Big Ben, a waterman tells Iris her mother didn’t fall – she jumped. 

Iris discovers that the suffragette with her mother that fateful day has been missing for years, disappearing just after the protest. Desperate to know the truth behind the fatal jump, Iris’s investigation leads her to Crookham Hall, an ancestral home where secrets and lies lead to murder…

Review

Death at Crookham Hall by Michelle Salter is a murder mystery set just after World War I, just after women won the right to vote (some women anyway) and were just beginning to step into a world outside of marriage and babies.

Death at the Manor by Katharine Schellman- book review

I enjoyed this Regency mystery featuring a locked room murder, ghosts, and touch of gothic romance. My review of Death of Romance by Katharine Schellman.

Genre: Historical crime

Series: Lily Adler Mystery #3

Publication Date :9th of August 2022

Source: NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishers

Lily Adler is looking forward to spending some time with her Aunt Eliza with her friends Lady and Lord Carroway ( Ofelia and Ned)  but instead, she is embroiled in a strange murder that appears to be committed by a ghost at the nearby Belleford manor. Can Lily solve the murder with her friends while dealing with her feelings for Mr Spencer?

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion

Review

This is the third book in the Lily Adler Mystery series, but I was able to get into the story and the characters without having read the previous two books. The book is told from a few points of view which makes the story a lot more compelling.

 I loved the diverse range of characters in the book that naturally blended into the story and the expected prejudices are present but overall I loved how the characters in the book were able to accept Ofelia’s mixed-race descent. If anything, Ofelia’s difference from the other people in the village is her noble status.