France and Prussia – 1863, When someone close to Edward Tyrington is murdered, he is charged with finding the murderer and bringing them to justice. The murky path to catch the criminal leads him through the borderlands of France and Prussia, two countries on the brink of war.
With the resourceful Catherine Briggs and her suspicious uncle by his side, Edward uncovers a secret plot that will tilt the playing field of war for decades to come. Will Edward and Catherine avoid the assassins sent to kill them and rebalance the power between two countries intent on war?
Joni Swift has loved mysteries since her first Agatha Christie novel. She is passionate about travel, hiking and is pretty much a sucker for any kind of adventure. Joni loves good wine, live music and good friends. When she isn’t writing, she is usually hiking in the mountains or planning her next vacation.
Mid 1800's European murder mystery with a surfeit of action and intrigues played out by interesting characters. This is the second book of this series I have read and enjoyed.
September 1863. While on an archaeological dig in Paris, Catherine Briggs informs Sir Edward Tyrington of the death of close friend Henri le Marchal, in Nancy. Henri's mother charges him to find the murderer. Catherine and Edward start their investigation with so few clues, and who can they trust on their journey to the truth, and what will they discover. An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good addition to this series. I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was less convoluted, not as much filler in it. The characters were not as difficult to follow. Interesting story line, interesting characters. However the beatings and horrific illnesses Edward endured will surely put him in an early grave
I like following the characters into their next story! Author, Joni Swift, is adept at weaving the story she is writing into historical time periods so smoothly that the story and the time period merge as homogenous and believable. And the twists! Just when I think I have the mystery figured out, a surprise turn of events moves the possibility of "who done it" somewhere else. Well done Ms. Swift. I am enjoying the series and am ready to start the next book in the series!
Formalities first this is second in a series but don’t be put off it can be read as a stand alone. I’m not saying reading book one first is a bad plan but you don’t need to in order to enjoy this book. Secondly I received an ARC from the author. What follows is my honest review and opinions on this story. Historical mysteries are probably my favorite books to read so when I got this book I was excited. The story did not disappoint at all. We are taken on a ride from Paris through France and Prussia on a mission to find a killer. Obstacles are brewing tensions between these countries, fear of a war on the horizon, spies popping up everywhere and unknown loyalties of just about everyone but our small group of travelers. Edward an English nobleman (a second son) who lost his wealth due to his father’s mismanagement, Catherine his pretend fiancé whom he loves for real, their personal servants and Catherine’s uncle their chaperone. Mixed in as well are some notable historical figures which gives the story authenticity and makes it feel more real. I’m trying very hard to express my enjoyment without giving out too many details on the plot because I think it would lessen another reader’s enjoyment. What I absolutely will say is that this is a wonderfully detailed and mysterious plot where you never know what will happen next but are drawn further and further into a complex web and will love every minute. There are some shocking surprises especially the one at the end. But overall this is a flat out fantastic read.
Book 2 in the Edward Tyrington series is a dark twisted murder mystery set in central Europe in the fall of 1863. Edward's friend Henri and Catherine's friend Evaline's husband Davet have been murdered in the town of Nancy in France. Although nearly overwhelmed with grief over the loss of his best friend he agrees to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murders. When Catherine says she is going as well he reluctantly agrees. The more they look into the research Davet was doing the more confusing the situation, and the more dangerous. A very good mystery set in a time when wits and bravery weremore neccesary for solving a crime than reliance on computers and technology. I am looking forward to the future adventures in this series. I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Skulls of Malgrange, has Edward and Catherine running, sailing, and railing, around France and Prussia trying to solve a couple of murders. I'm not going to give away who the victims were, but one I was quite sad about their death. I had hoped to see more of that character in future books, as I enjoyed the character in The Bones of Santorini. My feelings aside from that character's demise, Swift mastered the twist and turns of this historical mystery and left the ending for a smooth transition into the next book, while giving a satisfying conclusion to this one. I'll be ordering the next book and look forward to the continuing saga of Edward and Catherine.
Catherine comes to the excavation site to visit Edward . Only his friend Henri knew where he was working. She brings sad news with her. When Edward visits Henri's mother Madame Marchal she requests him to find out who had killed her son. With the help of Catherine and her suspicious uncle ,Edward is able to uncover a secret plot that is dealing around war between France and Prussia .There is a lot of danger with assassin s sent to get rid of them .A very exciting read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Edward, Catherine and the gang are off on another explosive adventure when Henri and other family members are offed in the town of Nancy. Non-stop action, adventure and suspense reign as they travel from Paris to Nancy and on to Prussia dodging death and seeking the truth, all while dancing among the swirling embers of a forbidden romance. Okay, so I really enjoyed the book and it held my attention for the duration. I Just wish I could move on to the next one already. . .
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left my honest review voluntarily.
Joni Swift has hit it out of the park with this historical mystery set in 1863 with Prussia and the Ottoman Empire on the brink of war. At loose ends, Edward can't say no to a surprising personal request and Catherine becomes involved. Strong character development and believable plots. To fully appreciate this historical mystery, start with The Bones of Santorini.
Henri Le marchal’s mother seeks the service of Edward to find his murderer , and along with Catherine he undertakes just that , a very dark suspenseful journey to find the truth .A very worthwhile read anytime. Very well written with good descriptions and back stories I read an arc of this book and my review is in my own words voluntary
I was sent an advanced reader copy for an honest review, which this is. I have not been paid for this. This is the 2nd book in the series that builds upon book one but, it can be read on its own. There is plenty of excitement in this titla, along with a little bit of pissible romance. If you enjoy adventure/crime stories then this book is for you.
At another archaeological dig Edward meets Catherine again but under dire circumstances. The race is on to find a killer & from country to country there is no one with whom to place their trust. But they persevere & never give up until the quest is over.
There were so many actual historical people in this book, I kept questioning the story. Was Von Bismarck actually in that palace at that time? Did Nobel have foreign help stabilizing dynamite? I don't know and maybe it doesn't matter but it kept me from fully engaging in the story.
Book 2 in the Edward Tyrington Series is another exciting & involved historical murder mystery. Edward, though consumed by grief for his close friend, agrees to investigate, reluctantly with Catherine. This novel is entertaining with intriguing characters & events. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review
This installment of the series was filled with political intrigue. Too much for my taste. Danger and violence sped to a confusing conclusion. I missed the archaeology aspects from the first book.
Catherine and Edward work together to find the culprit who killed Edward’s best friend and stole some important research. I enjoyed learning more about the history of that time period.
WOW, what an exciting story. The characters are intriguing. The locations are dark and mysterious. This is a book of substance and satisfaction. Highly Recommended.
I am a big fan of this series. The characters are well rounded and interesting, and you want to spend your afternoon seeing what they have gotten themselves into this time. The storyline keeps your attention and the action just keeps going. Once you get started, it’s really hard to put down. And now I want the next one!
This was another engrossing read in this series. I just love the character of Catherine, she is so brave and I enjoy the way she rarely does what is expected of her. Edward still has his self doubts because of his background but he has come to realise his feelings for Catherine. This is full of action, mystery and murder. It is quite complex and involves different nations. Catherine’s uncle was quite a character. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Catherine comes to the excavation site to visit Edward . Only his friend Henri knew where he was working. She brings sad news with her. When Edward visits Henri's mother Madame Marchal she requests him to find out who had killed her son. With the help of Catherine and her suspicious uncle ,Edward is able to uncover a secret plot that is dealing around war between France and Prussia .There is a lot of danger with assassin s sent to get rid of them .A very exciting read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Someone killed Henri but for the life of him, Edward could not understand why. Henri, his life long friend, charming and clever, they had grown up together, played as boys, grew to become men and still were close. Henri's mother knew that the police will not investigate his death and begged Edward to do so. But things got messy once he started digging and nothing was what it seemed.
Intriguing and full of suspense, another great read from Joni Swift.