Bethany Swafford's Blog

Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery (The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes 1)

by Linda Stratmann

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: Before Dr Watson, there was Mr Stamford…

London, 1876

Mr Stamford meets Sherlock Holmes while studying at St Bartholomew’s Medical College in London. With his intense stare and unorthodox methods of doing things, Holmes has already gained a reputation as an eccentric but brilliant man.

When suspected intruders are sighted at the British Museum, Holmes is called upon to give his opinion of what happened. But before he can come to any conclusions, something horrifying happens – one of the great treasures of the world, the priceless Rosetta Stone, is stolen from the museum.

The thieves have left a note demanding a ransom. And if it is not fulfilled they threaten to cast the Stone into the ocean so it can never be found again.

With the police on the wrong track, it is down to Holmes to solve the complex case. And when the burglary case turns into a murder investigation, it becomes a race against time before more victims are killed.

Young Mr. Sherlock Holmes has developed a reputation around St Bartholomew’s Medical College in London as being unorthodox in the subjects he pursues. Mr. Mike Stamford is intrigued by Mr. Holmes, but it isn’t until a fellow student approaches them about the mysterious strangers his uncle has seen at the British museum that they are really thrown together. The Rosetta Stone is under threat. Can a young Sherlock Holmes solve the crime when the police are puzzled?

I enjoyed this one a lot! I’ve read stories about Sherlock Holmes as a boy, so I was intrigued by the idea of him as a young man. I also liked that we have Mike Stamford as our “Watson” of the story. It is presented in a way that makes it plausible to fit in with the details left by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The author does a fantastic job of recreating Holmes as a young man who is still learning. The mystery presented of the Rosetta Stone just vanishing from the museum, was well thought out. If I had to name something that didn’t sit quite right, it is the references to the person of a mathematical disposition who is the shadowy puppet master as it were. It just didn’t feel quite right.

Overall, it is a fantastic story and I would definitely recommend it to fans of Holmes looking for an adventure. I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens

by Andrea Penrose

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: The upcoming marriage of the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane promises to be a highlight of the season, if they can first untangle–and survive–a web of intrigue and murder involving the most brilliant scientific minds in Regency London…

One advantage of being caught up in a whirl of dress fittings and decisions about flower arrangements and breakfast menus is that Charlotte Sloane has little time for any pre-wedding qualms. Her love for Wrexford isn’t in question. But will being a wife–and a Countess–make it difficult for her to maintain her independence–not to mention, her secret identity as famed satirical artist A.J. Quill?

Despite those concerns, there are soon even more urgent matters to attend to during Charlotte and Wrexford’s first public outing as an engaged couple. At a symposium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a visiting botanist suffers a fatal collapse. The traces of white powder near his mouth reveal the dark truth–he was murdered. Drawn into the investigation, Charlotte and the Earl learn of the victim’s involvement in a momentous medical discovery. With fame and immense fortune at stake, there’s no shortage of suspects, including some whose ruthlessness is already known. But neither Charlotte nor her husband-to-be can realize how close the danger is about to get–or to what lengths this villain is prepared to go…

The marriage of the Earl of Wrexford and lady Charlotte Sloane is just a few weeks away. During their first public appearance together, a visiting botanist is found dead. Even though Charlotte already has much on her plate between wedding plans to make, continuing her art, and coming to grips with how things are changing, a murder cannot be ignored. Will they catch a killer before the danger gets too close?

Five books into this series, I am loving how these characters have progressed. From a wary partnership to a close family, has been fun to watch. The struggle to find a balance in their changing circumstances was absolutely believable. There have been subtle changes to each one, inspired by their association with the other. Even the supporting characters have grown and matured in the time span of these stories.

The historical details about botany were interesting, though at times they went right over my head. In places, the mystery itself were a bit convoluted. There were misdirects, so much that when the murderer was revealed I really had to think if I remembered the name or not.

Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series and I am interested to see where the author takes these characters next. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical mysteries, but I would advise to start at the beginning of the series to really appreciate it.

I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Kingscastle

by Sophia Holloway

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees.

As the new Marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her underpaid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby shows she will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Captain William Hawksmoor never expected to inherit a title or estate and is not impressed when it happens. He is especially annoyed by the little detail that he must marry in a year or be forever under the control of trustees. The new Marquis of Altheney takes command of his new home, Kingscastle, determined to do his best despite the machinations of his widowed aunt.

The cover of this book caught my attention because it is really pretty. When I saw that it was “A classic Regency romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer“, I was intrigued. I really enjoyed reading this one. It is very much to the similar to the style of Georgette Heyer, who is one of my favorite authors.

The characters were interesting and felt like they fit the word that the author created. I loved the details of Kingscastle. The new marquis was the kind of hero I enjoy reading, although in the end I felt like his personality changed a bit. His love interest, Eleanor Burgess, was a lovely lady as well, and I loved seeing them together.

The marquis’ aunt is our “villain” of the story. She has her plans for who he should marry, her timid daughter, and she sets out to make sure her nephew is going to falling with her plans by inventing tales. She is a rather one-dimensional character, and I was a little surprised how easily the marquis believed her.

Overall, it was an entertaining tale. I do think readers who enjoy a more traditional, clean Regency book will enjoy this one. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage (Supposed Scandal)

by Rebecca Connolly

Edition: 2021, ARC

Synopsis: One good scandal deserves another…

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin’s London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.

It is also part of the upcoming Supposed Scandal series.

Lady Alexandrina Lawson had a disastrous marriage and is content to be a widow. When an unfortunate encounter with a rose bush incites the wrong idea from Society, she finds herself engaged to a man she has never liked. Taft Debenham, the Earl of Harwood, couldn’t bear to see a lady suffer for a mistake and announces their engagement himself. A marriage of convenience between two people who have merely tolerated each other blossoms into something more.

“Taft was a moron.” I couldn’t have agreed more when I read this line. I’m not sure what other solution could have been possible for our two main characters, but Taft announcing that the lady’s disheveled appearance was because of him had to be the stupidest plan I’ve ever read. Though he may not be the smartest hero I’ve read about, he was charming and I could understand why he was so well liked in society.

Alexandrina was harder to understand and when I was first introduced to her, I didn’t like her. Her experiences in life made her cynical and prickly. She made the mistake of believing that her experience is the norm and doesn’t know what to make of a man who chooses to look at the bright side of things. But even she is not immune to the charm of her husband.

I did find a few things a little extreme. Such as when Alexandrina complains that a man is never punished for his sins in society and a woman is always to blame. That entire scene didn’t sit well with me. I also didn’t like that Taft came across as “not like other men”.

Overall, it was a sweet read. It stands alone very well, though it is part of a series and is a sequel to a book in another series.

I received a free advance copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.

Well, I didn’t mean to vanish for the entirety of November. Can I blame time change? I want to blame time change. Even falling back an hour seemed to completely mess with my head. And then I was fighting a weird cold-thing. And doing NaNoWriMo.

Yeah, November was quite a month.

But, some good things came out of the month. NaNoWriMo is always a fun challenge that I look forward to each year. This year, I’d made a lot of notes for the project I was going to do, and I used a notebook and pen to work things out in my mind. I managed to write 50K words but did not complete the story. I’ll put that on my to-do list for January.

Another thing that happened in November: I found the voices for two of my books. Susan Heytens narrated A Chaotic Courtship and did an amazing job with it! Her subtle shifts in voice for each character were fabulous. She worked fast too. The audiobook is now available on Audible! (I have codes if anyone would like to listen and review!)

Regency Rumors is also going to come to audio. Talon Davids is going to be the voice of Juliet. So far, I’ve only heard the first fifteen minutes, but I am in love. I can’t wait to hear the whole thing and then share with you!

Not much else is going on in my little writing world. I am both ready for 2021 to end and confused about how the year is almost over.

Again, I have Audible codes for anyone who would like to listen and review A Chaotic Courtship. Just let me know!

A Companion for the Count

by Sally Britton

Edition: Audiobook, 2021

Synopsis: Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause.

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, is the new ambassador to England from the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicily’s To cement ties with England, he decides to take an English bride. The daughter of a duke appears to be the most advantageous option, but Lady Josephine’s companion advises him the lady is not interested in marriage. Undaunted, Luca asks Miss Arlen to help him but will he fall in love with the companion instead of the lady?

This was a sweet, enjoyable story. I’ve never read anything by this author, and though it is the second book in the series, it stands on it’s own well enough. The characters were engaging and interesting. The details of the time and how it would be as a foreigner were handled very well.

The one thing that rubbed me wrong was Emma Arlen, and her place in the castle. She is actually the duke’s ward, but everyone only sees her as a companion. I didn’t quite understand how this came to be. She was an heiress in her own right, but no one knew. Why?

Overall, it was a sweet romance and well written. I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator did a fantastic job with the voices and bringing the characters to life.

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

As a hopeless romantic, Amelie is well suited to answer lonely heart letters for her aunt’s social publication, The marriage Gazette. She cannot resist secretly observing a rendezvous of one of the letter writers and is astonished to recognize a member of her book club. She is even more astonished when police detective Michael Baker demands she tell what she knows about the suspected murderer. Together, this unlikely pair must solve a murder and keep themselves safe!

I love a good mystery romance, and I was intrigued when I first read the description of this book. Amelie is just as she sounds: a naive young lady who looks for the best in the world. She also has a crush on the recently bereaved member of her book club. At times, her naivety made me roll my eyes but her heart was in the right place.

Michael Baker was a sympathetic hero. He has seen the darker side of life and given that his partner was recently killed on the job, he has a more cynical opinion of the world. Amelie’s naivety often frustrates him, especially when she insists she become his deputy to solve the case. He made the most character growth, I think, in the story.

The pace of the mystery was excellent, and the suspense kept me glued to the page. However, the romance fell flat. in fact, when Michael declares he will propose to her, I was surprised because it felt like it came out of nowhere. It did not feel as though they had near enough time to know each other.

Another thing that is quite honestly me being overly picky is that if the synopsis hadn’t said the story was set in 1885, I wouldn’t have known. The atmosphere and details of the book are Victorian, but the Victorian era was a long time and each decade different from the last. Even a hint in regards to the fashion would have been nice.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read for the mystery and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy historical mysteries. I would honestly rate it at 4.5 stars.

Murder at Queen’s Landing

by Andrea Penrose

Edition: ARC, 2020

Synopsis: The murder of a shipping clerk . . . the strange disappearance of trusted friends . . . rumors of corruption within the powerful East India Company . . . all add up to a dark mystery entangling Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford in a dangerous web of secrets and lies that will call into question how much they really know about the people they hold dear—and about each other . . .

When Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge, disappear from London, rumors swirl concerning fraudulent bank loans and a secret consortium engaged in an illicit—and highly profitable—trading scheme that threatens the entire British economy. The incriminating evidence mounts, but for Charlotte and Wrexford, it’s a question of loyalty and friendship. And so they begin a new investigation to clear the siblings’ names, uncover their whereabouts, and unravel the truth behind the whispers.

As they delve into the murky world of banking and international arbitrage, Charlotte and Wrexford also struggle to navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other. But the clock is ticking—a cunning mastermind has emerged . . . along with some unexpected allies—and Charlotte and Wrexford must race to prevent disasters both economic and personal as they are forced into a dangerous match of wits in an attempt to beat the enemy at his own game.

The death of a shipping clerk seems inconsequential but then Lady Cordelia, friend to Lady Charlotte Sloane, goes missing. With Lord Wrexford at her side, the lady artist sets out to discover the truth. Amidst the complex web of numbers and international affairs, the pair must use all their waits to beat their opponent and navigate their own feelings for each other.

Math has never been my thing, so the banking and explanation with numbers went right over my head. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story as a whole. Loyalty and friendship are the strong themes in this story, with Charlotte and Wrexford both willing to do what had to be done for their friends.

The plot moves at a good pace, even when I didn’t understand all the details. The motivation for the villain was understandable, and seeing him get taken down was very satisfying. Seeing Wrexford and Charlotte work out how they really feel is the best part.

For fans of the series, you won’t want to miss this.

As the temperature outside continues to cool, I find myself settling inside with tea and books.

One of my friends recently asked me where I get the ideas from my story. She didn’t really believe me when I told her I get ideas everywhere. Things that happen to me, non-fiction books, songs. “What if” is my favorite phrase.

I have one story that was born from a very bad day and a soundtrack song that made me laugh. My Sinclair Society Series was a what if question: what if a young lady went undercover as a lady’s maid to learn the truth. I have notes in my plot notebook that are associated with songs and my NaNo project this year is pulled from a non-fiction book about mail order brides.

I never really thought there was anything strange about how I draw ideas from the world. Not until this past week. I went on a walk in a local park with my mom. It was a historical site where there was an Indian treaty in 1830. The first thing out of my mouth was:

“Wouldn’t this be a cool setting for a book? You have the governor of Michigan here, representatives from Congress, army troops, and hundreds of Native Americans on both sides of the river. What if there was someone trying to sabotage the treaty? And there was someone who was doing her best to keep that from happening.”

Mom just laughed and shook her head. She said she hadn’t thought about it before but it might be interesting.

And so, another addition to my plot notebook was made. Along with books to do some research on the event. Will I ever write it? I hope so, but there are some ideas that have been waiting in my notebook for almost five years now. 

Anything can be an inspiration for a story.

Is there anything you’ve been inspired to write about or learn more about? 

Disaster and the Duke

by Elizabeth Bailey

Edition: ARC

Synopsis: Sparks fly between an accident-prone young woman and a sardonic duke…
1806, England
With her father disinherited, young Hetty Latimer has been left without a dowry. Having given up hope of ever marrying, she spends her days secretly creating pictures to help supplement her family’s income.

While out gathering wildflowers for her project, she stumbles across Theo Devenal, the new Duke of Charlton. With the duke’s sardonic humour and Hetty’s sensibility, sparks immediately fly and a mutual attraction blossoms. However, disaster strikes when the two are caught in an apparently compromising position by Hetty’s furious father.

Unwilling to exacerbate his wrath, Theo and Hetty do their best to avoid each other, but their paths continue to cross. And each time, Theo is obliged to rescue the accident-prone Hetty from trouble.

Although conscious that he is expected to marry high, the duke soon finds his feelings for Hetty intensifying. Chafing against the strictures of his exalted position, he now must decide whether he is prepared to flout convention and follow his heart…

With her father disinherited, Hetty and her twin sister resolve to use their creativity to help supplement their family’s reduced income. Hetty gathers wildflowers for her picture and stumbles into the new Duke of Charlton, Theo Devenal. Sparks fly between them, but misunderstandings make matters difficult. Will a duke flout convention to wed a penniless lady with a penchant for disaster?

This was a sweet tale. Though I thought the “love” between them an exaggeration of the attraction that happened early on, I found this young pair believable and gave them a pass on the matter. They both behave like the young people they are, still learning to find their place in the world. I was sympathetic to Theo’s reluctance to fall into the expectations of society regarding his rank. Hetty’s penchant for bursting into tears over everything was slightly annoying.

Overall, it is a sweet, easy-to-read romance. The plot is well paced and uncomplicated. Those who are looking for a relaxing afternoon read will probably enjoy this one.