Secrets hide in the Druid's Grove, in a murderer's heart, and in Niall Kier's past . . October 1851. After millions of visitors and months of success, the Great Exhibition is winding down. Mr. Niall Kier and Miss Kara Levett are busy with the celebrations planned for the last weeks-and with all the commissions their involvement has brought them. Their artistic works stall, though, when the closing ceremonies are interrupted by a murder. Suddenly, a friend is under suspicion and the murder has been linked to the Druid's Grove, the secret society in which Niall is a member and Kara has just been inducted. They dive in, hoping to quickly clear their ally's name, except nothing is simple in the Grove and no one is exactly who they seem to be. Niall and Kara put their talents and resources to work once more, but they find that old, sinister secrets might be behind the present-day bloodshed. And as they investigate, it appears someone might also be digging about in Niall's mysterious past. The Kier and Levett Mystery series Book 1 - A Killer in the Crystal Palace Book 2 - Death from the Druid's Grove Book 3 - Murder on the Mirrored Lake
USA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.
A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.
I recommend this book. I read the read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. The second book has character growth, and the mystery was very good. Kier was trained by her father to protect herself and even though she was a baron's daughter she is very much alone. Kier has a secret past (I have already downloaded the book to find out what it is in book 3). I would have given the book a 5* but the first bit of the book was a bit slow. The rest was fast paced and just grabbed me. The romance picks up in the last third but is kisses only as this is mainly a mystery. Since its a Victorian era mystery it has many triggers. The book is much better than my review.
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction, mystery novel. It has a likable, intelligent, strong and capable, female protagonist, an engaging, kind and caring male protagonist, a touch of romance, murder, mystery, secrets, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. This is the second entry in the Kier and Levett Mystery series and is best when read after reading Ms. Marlowe's outstanding "A Killer in Crystal Palace". I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this wonderful series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Henrietta Meire, has a lovely voice and does an excellent job portraying the characters and their personalities.
Death from the Druid's Grove is a great follow up to the fantastic debut, A Killer in the Crystal Palace. The fascinating sleuthing duo is back, as are the charming secondary characters that form their "found family." The bonus: we get to see some developments in the romantic storyline as the couple solves a murder.
Kara Levett and Niall Kier met as exhibitors at the Grand Exhibition, where Kara displayed her automatons and Niall showed his metal work. The two forged (pun intended) a partnership during an investigation that started off the series. In this second book, the Grand Exhibition is coming to an end, which also means an end to their close proximity. They've become great friends, but each harbors deeper feelings. While they each navigate those feelings, another murder has them working together again to solve a mystery.
The start of this book is a touch confusing, as it begins with seemingly unrelated scenes. First, there is Kara's initiation into a secret society of creative intellectuals, of which Niall is already a member. Second, a visitor to Kara's home, where Niall has a forge-away-from-home during the exhibition, makes cryptic comments about unfinished business in Niall's past. When we finally get to the murder scene, at the closing of the exhibition, it's almost a relief. Here is familiar territory, where we know Kara and Niall will team up to make things right. The secret society and Niall's past are a constant in this story and those early scenes eventually make sense.
The slow-burn relationship between Kara and Niall is delightfully angsty in this book. We get both characters' points of view as they contemplate their feelings. Niall's instinct is to flee when things get complicated, but he's conflicted. Kara has continued to break out of her protective shell and is disappointed by the idea of Niall leaving London. There are some beautiful, satisfying scenes between them that make me wish a third book was already here.
Marlowe’s portrayal of Kara Levett, the rather stunning young woman with position and riches, who lives the life she wants constructing automations in Victorian England is brilliant! Niall Kier, the rather gorgeous and mysterious Scot who forges masterpieces, panels of wrought iron, is equally as fascinating. Together they sparkle. Their friendship asks nothing and gives everything. Last we met they were tracking down a killer in the Crystal Palace whilst avoiding the police and in particular Mr. Lionel Wooten, an inspector with Scotland Yard. Here, Kara is being inducted into the Order of Druidic Bards, along with another candidate Miss Janet Ottridge, whose rendition of a poem is somewhat threatening. How threatening is later demonstrated when Miss Ottridge is found dead, having drunk a tea laced with poisonous plants from the Druid’s grove! Members of the Druid’s group come under scrutiny when an accounting notebook with details of what looks like amounts of money is listed next to some prominent names about town. The ugly thought of blackmail is mooted. A reason for her death, and a list of suspects! Kara and Niall work together with their friend Inspector Wooten, to find out all they can about Janet Ottridge. The trail leads into the past and a deplorable, murky event that had shocked the public. Kara has noticed a particular woman watching them. It seems this person is not involved with the current case but has ill feelings towards Kara. Why? The plot captivated me! As the story ended I was left wondering just how quickly Deb Marlowe’s pen can produce the next in the series? Soon, I hope!
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars Series: The Kier and Levett Mysteries Series #2 Publication Date: 5/26/23 Period: Victorian London Number of Pages: 261
This author normally writes historical romance – and does a great job of it – but I think she missed her calling because she does an outstanding job with historical mysteries as well. The author has captured the complexities of the time, the excitement of the Great Exhibition, and the mysticism of a Druidic society along with characters who are so much more than they seem on the outside. Kara is wealthy, independent, artistic, talented, and more than capable of taking care of herself and Niall is handsome, large, brooding, artistic, protective, and filled with secrets he cannot reveal. OMGoodness – what a team they make!
In the first book of the series, we met a number of members of the Order of Druidic Bards. The order studies and preserves the old ways – old manuscripts, old musical instruments, etc. In the opening scene of this book, Kara is inducted into the Order along with one other person, Miss Janet Ottridge. Kara is welcomed into the Order with smiles and open arms, but the other woman – not so much. Kara wonders at the differences in their welcomes and realizes that there is something ‘off’ about the whole thing with Janet. Each new member must perform some ‘task’ that shows their understanding and preservation interests. While Kara’s was creative and lovely, Janet’s was strange and hinted at dire things to come. So, when Janet dies an unnatural death, the police are immediately suspicious of the Order – particularly Magistrate Towland. Kara and Niall know the kindhearted magistrate isn’t guilty and since he was instrumental in helping Kara prove her innocence (in the last book), they’ll do all they can to prove his innocence this time.
I love the way Kara and Niall work together, each playing to their own strengths. They have total respect and trust in each other and work together like a well-oiled machine. Though the victim is not a savory person, Kara and Niall want to find justice for her. When the murderer is revealed, you’ll be surprised, but you’ll also wonder (just a bit) if maybe he/she should have gotten away with it.
During the investigation, we learn a bit more about Niall’s past – not much – just enough to whet our appetites for the third and final book of the series. You are left wondering what in the world could be in his past that causes him so much danger now – especially when he was not the one who did something wrong. I can hardly wait to find out.
The mystery is excellently crafted and delivered as is the subplot involving Niall and his secrets. There are also some lovely poignant scenes between Kara and Niall that make you wonder how the two will ever overcome all of the obstacles in the way of their HEA.
I can definitely recommend this excellently written, nicely paced mystery. I would also like to petition Dragonblade Publishing to extend the contract on this series to include more books. I’d love to have more of Kara and Niall to look forward to.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This series is so good! I love the way Kara and Niall are slowly learning to trust each other, even though both still have secrets. The secret society they're members of enhances the Victorian feel of the books, and we get a little more insight into their characters. The writing is very evocative, and the characters well-developed. It's an excellent historical mystery.
Death from the Druid’s Grove by Deb Marlowe The Kier and Levitt Mystery series #2. Historical mystery with minor romance thread at the end. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. October 1851. A murder interrupts the closing ceremonies of the Great Exhibition. Mr. Naill Kier and Miss Kara Levitt begin an investigation in Druid’s Grove, a secret society, when a friend is a suspect of the local police. But nothing is as it seems in the Grove and Naill and Kara themselves are in danger as they ask questions and try to help.
Impressive. I can’t imagine the level of research it must have taken to include the details in the book, even knowing that the story itself is fiction. I could easily visualize the scenes as these two inventors / tinkerers / scientists tracked clues and dug up facts that the police missed or weren’t trusted. The chase scene through the booby-trapped buildings was riveting as each next trap door or roof panel was narrowly missed or one of them fell victim to. Some of the murders are heartbreaking. I loved and was so impressed with how compassionate Kara was with one of their informants. That scene alone went from dangerous to heartbreaking to admiration. Fantastic historical mystery. I can’t wait to dive into the next book. Book 1 - A Killer in the Crystal Palace Book 2 - Death from the Druid’s Grove Book 3 - Murder on the Mirrored Lake
Secrets hide in the Druid’s Grove, in a murderer’s heart, and in Niall Kier’s past . .
October 1851. After millions of visitors and months of success, the Great Exhibition is winding down. Mr. Niall Kier and Miss Kara Levett are busy with the celebrations planned for the last weeks—and with all the commissions their involvement has brought them. Their artistic works stall, though, when the closing ceremonies are interrupted by a murder.
Suddenly, a friend is under suspicion and the murder has been linked to the Druid’s Grove, the secret society in which Niall is a member and Kara has just been inducted. They dive in, hoping to quickly clear their ally’s name, except nothing is simple in the Grove and no one is exactly who they seem to be.
Niall and Kara put their talents and resources to work once more, but they find that old, sinister secrets might be behind the present-day bloodshed.
And as they investigate, it appears someone might also be digging about in Niall’s mysterious past.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I confess I must read too many books, if it is possible but the opening scene lost me at a time, I did not really understand at first its meaning, then we get to the murder scene and all the hints aligned. I was much afraid the story would have a sour taste for me like some I recently read, but I should have known the author would not disappoint. Whether she writes a romance or a mystery, it is engrossing and gripping. I felt definitely invested in Kara Niall’s story.
As Kara and Niall partner again, at first to help clear their friend’s name, some of Niall’s past comes knocking at his door, making him rethink his need to flee. What he would have done usually easily. But knowing now Kara, he is torn between what he believes he should and what he wants.
They work so well together, she listens to him and accepts his silence while he sees the real her and praises her unusual talents. The mystery is well crafted and I did not see who would be the culprit until the very end. And for Niall and Kara’s relationship, it turns just wow. And while we are left with a new conundrum, I loved how Kara is not one to back down. She follows her heart and refuses society’s strictures when it would mean loosing people who meant a lot to her.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kiss
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
I read a lot of historical romance/mysteries and I thought this was a terrific book. This story had a strong heroine (Kara), an equally strong hero (Niall), interesting supporting characters (like Turner, Harold and Gyda) and several possible villains. I enjoyed the mystery in both book 2 which kept me guessing about who the murderer was. Just a note that this is book 2 and it was well worth reading book 1 to get context for book 2. You could read this on its own but why not read book 1 first, it’s also very enjoyable. We get to see more of Kara’s personality, same with Niall, as we see how they react to different events in the book. We are getting a clearer picture of their personalities. I’m dying to know what is going on with Niall…what is his mysterious background, who made what errors in his past, why does he need to stay out of the limelight, what will happen to him if he is noticed, why is he in danger? And why does Lord Stayme have to watch over him and be his only contact? Sooooo many questions to be answered and Marlowe gives us tantalizing hints at some of the answers. The romance is a slow burn but it starts with them developing a solid friendship of equal partners and is slowly developing into something much more affectionate. I love how Marlowe has written the romance. I usually prefer a fairly quick romance, with some steam, but Marlowe has put such emotion into the two kisses in book 2 that I am more than satisfied with how things are coming together for Kara and Niall. That said, I was disappointed we didn’t get a resolution to their romance in this book. I am on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen next since Kara is all about taking charge and following Niall. She is definitely not a ‘go with the flow’ kind of person! I am excited to see where the author will take Kara and Niall’s story next. I can’t wait for book 3 so I’m off to read some of her HR books to past the time.
I listened to the audio book again. It is just soooo good! The mystery is so well done and the characters are so interesting! The romance between the main characters is clean and definitely secondary as it progresses a little in each book but this is better than many cozy mysteries I read and this meets my needs in cozy mystery.
Kara and Niall manage to have such a sexual energy despite being rather proper at most all times - is it the proper ness that people love about historicals because I may kinda get it now?
I want these two to work out so much, but as they figure themselves out I absolutely adore the mysteries they take on together. This mystery was a good one and Kara has proven once again to be a very resourceful young woman!
Our MCs may finally get a little physical in this book and I enjoyed that, but there is a lot keeping Niall in check and Kara is starting to figure some of it out. I cannot wait to see where this goes!
Societies of women, societies of wealthy, societies full of those with no advantages. We meet them all, we have secrets coming to light despite people’s best intentions of keeping them buried. Kara has gotten herself in the middle of another murder and with her equal partner, they pull their strengths to uncover long ago buried secrets. You will rude a rollercoaster of emotions, clues, danger and secrets with this mystery. In the end Kara will not be told what to do and soon a new adventure will be found. Take the ride with her and Naill and soon you will be adding up the clues and solving murders.
This was another engrossing read in this series. I just love the characters of Niall and Kara. Kara is so fearless and capable and extremely clever. Niall has his secrets and slowly the reader is learning some of them. There is a murder to solve and this is a complex plot. I did like that Niall and Kara are coming to terms with how they feel about each other. I’m really looking forward to the next in the series, which I’ve preordered.
Nothing beats a good historical mystery. I definitely recommend reading the first book before reading this one. However you still won't guess who has done it because this story and series just keeps you on the edge of your seat! I definitely enjoy the chemistry between the two characters and I'm enjoying the mystery..
The second in the series starts with the end of the Great Exhibition and the initiation ceremony into the Order of Druidic Bards, a semi-secret society. The night after Miss Kara Levett's initiation becomes a deadly one when the other new initiate is found dead. How did she die? Once again Niall and Kara search for the killer and reveal secrets from years ago. These two have formed a bond, but Niall's secrets tell him it's time to leave. This series is becoming addictive and I recommend reading in order. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Liked better than the first. The problem in playing the long game in these series novels is that dialogue that is meant to hint at a character’s past often time comes across as deeply confusing. You know on some level that it is going to be important later but you can’t summon enough context to hold it all in your mind. *sigh* hoping it all comes together in book three.
"Death from the Druid's Grove" by Deb Marlowe is book two in the "Kier and Levett" series. It was a very enjoyable read. It was nice getting back into the historical world with Kara and Niall again. I love their relationship of solving a good murder. They work so well together and keep you wanting more. Look forward to moving on in this series by Deb.
Mystery, suspense and murder continues to follow the audacious sleuthing duo as Niall and Kara once again join forces to unpick, unravel and expose the culprit. Revealing a well choreographed, highly enjoyable, murder mystery, shrouded in twisted dark intentions, unforeseen turns and sinister revelations to a statisfyingly unexpected conclusion. Crafting an engrossing tale of threat, danger and horrific callousness in an intricate web of rich atmospheric detail and intrigue that brings to life an ominous tension that permeates the air. Where the plot thickens, loops and tangles you, not just up in a thrilling truth finding mission but, in the close bond of friendship that runs deep and binding between the captivatingly perceptive, intelligent and resourceful leads. I just loved the intense growing of feelings, easy warmth, chemistry and comforting revelation that continues to intensify and bloom between them since book 1. Heightened by the stumbling, secret-drenched barrier that painfully insists on driving a wedge between them. A tangible, metaphorical elephant sized wedge, in their promising, meeting of minds, romance that detrimentally lies at the root of Niall's past that has forced him into continuously running and me into no end of speculation. Creating a tummy churning maelstrom of heartache and tension that sparks a lingering impression of loneliness, sorrow, and a haunting manifestation of fears and worries. As Niall's dark secretative past, finally begins to catch up on him and creep ever tantalisingly closer into the light, as we delightfully catch exposing glimpses of what he's taken pains to keep long hidden. I can't wait for the next installment when we hopefully get to unpick and neatly piece all the clues and enticing snippets of his entangling - I can only imagine fearfully twisted - past together. Will he finally make a stand, flip the cat and mouse games that have led to this moment, and face the past head on? Or, run for cover never able to truly make a connection and lay down those much desired roots with the woman he is becoming to love? I'm really eager to find out. A wonderfully absorbing well written adventure, come danger thwarted mystery that has a clinging darkness to it that's not only entertaining to shed light on but heartbreaking in the reveal on both a personal developing relationship level and statisfyingly engaging crime solving level too. A great book, that continues the series in the same engrossing style of the first... where as a murder mystery this works well as a standalone. But, to appreciate the building romance, character dynamics, slow-revealing-life-altering dark histories and entangling fates, I recommend you read after book 1....you won't be disappointed!!
Death From the Druid’s Grove by Deb Marlowe is a mystery and the second in the series featuring Keir and Levett. Miss Kara Levett was brought up unconventionally and is now living an unconventional life as a single lady, not searching for a husband. Her friend and partner is Niall Keir who keeps a bed in a loft above his blacksmith shop on Kara’s property. He uses it when he doesn’t use his quarters in town. He doesn’t sleep in the house, not wanted gossip and ruin for Kara. She has recently been inducted into an organization: Druidic Bards, which is mainly for intellectuals and creative people. They have become good friends but recently they have been feeling more. So much more that Niall feels he must depart. Then there is a murder. An unpleasant woman named Ottridge. She had been killed at Druids Grove, by poison. Why and by whom was the mystery. Fingers were pointing at Arthur Towland, a magistrate of the police courts, and Kara and Niall agree they must prove his innocence before the accusations destroy his reputation. What a lot of information they uncovered as they investigated.
Kara was a curiosity and many did not hesitate to tell her so. She was an excellent character, more indicative of her time than many realized. She was an artist, she built sculpted automatons. She read and made her way through society, at least as much as she cared to. She was proud of her independence. She was a wonderful and thoughtful character. Her partner in investigations was a mysterious man who traveled and seemed to have no base. He kept very quiet about his past, although there were indications he had one. And, that it was about to return in full force. The plot was a good one, the mystery deeply rooted in the past. The storytelling was elegant and forceful. The pacing was perfect and the theme, if there was one, was that lawful wasn’t always just. I look forward to more in this series.
I was invited to read Death From the Druid’s Grove by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #DebMarlowe #DeathFromThe DruidsGrove
What a story and so unique! I read book 1 and was fascinated by the storyline as well as in this one. You will get more out of it by reading the first one. This one builds from the relationships started in book 1, so for that alone read book 1, you won't be disappointed.
I love Historical Romance, but this series will have me seeking out Historical Mysteries. The author weaves so much into this story that I didn't want it to end. The H's background is a mystery and slowly some of his secrets are revealed, but certainly not all. The h is smart, speaks her mind, is wealthy and realizes she needs to do more with her wealth as her eyes are opened to what is around her.
So many possible villains that you will need a scorecard to eliminate them. I enjoyed how this story unravels with the murder. Then add how the relationship between the MC builds from strangers in book 1, to friends and onto something deeper.
This is a clean story with only kisses and that is all that's needed. Romance builds very slowly but it worked.
Story has suspense, intrigue, major twists, sadness, great dialogue, plus main and secondary characters that top it all off. It doesn't end in a cliffhanger but not all is resolved for the MC. The murder is solved so that is finalized, no cheating, HEA, romantic and clean. I recommend this series highly because it isn't a cookie cutter and you will enjoy hours of entertainment.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)
Marlowe’s portrayal of Kara Levett, the rather stunning young woman with position and riches, who lives the life she want. Niall Kier, the rather gorgeous and mysterious Scot who forges masterpieces, panels of wrought iron, is equally as fascinating. Together they sparkle. Their friendship asks nothing and gives everything. Last we met they were tracking down a killer in the Crystal Palace whilst avoiding the police and in particular Mr. Lionel Wooten, an inspector with Scotland Yard. Here, Kara is being inducted into the Order of Druidic Bards, along with another candidate Miss Janet Ottridge, whose rendition of a poem is somewhat threatening. How threatening is later demonstrated when Miss Ottridge is found dead, having drunk a tea laced with poisonous plants from the Druid’s grove! Members of the Druid’s group come under scrutiny when an accounting notebook with details of what looks like amounts of money is listed next to some prominent names about town. The ugly thought of blackmail is mooted. A reason for her death, and a list of suspects! Kara and Niall work together with their friend Inspector Wooten, to find out all they can about Janet Ottridge. The trail leads into the past and a deplorable, murky event that had shocked the public. Kara has noticed a particular woman watching them. It seems this person is not involved with the current case but has ill feelings towards Kara. The plot captivated me! As the story ended I was left wondering just how quickly her pen can produce the next in the series? Soon, I hope!
October 1851. After millions of visitors and months of success, the Great Exhibition is winding down. Mr. Niall Kier and Miss Kara Levett are busy with the celebrations planned for the last weeks—and with all the commissions their involvement has brought them. Kara is inducted into the Order of Druidic Bards at the same time as Janet Ottridge is. Kara is openly welcomed but the same can’t be said for Janet. Then back at the exhibition Janet collapses & dies in suspicious circumstances. A friend is under suspicion and the murder has been linked to the Druid’s Grove. Niall & Kara dive in, hoping to quickly clear their ally’s name, except nothing is simple in the Grove and no one is exactly who they seem to be. The second book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order. A very well written engrossing, captivating read that had me glued to my kindle. It’s fast paced, it’s intriguing & there are twists & turns I didn’t see coming. The denouement is a surprise. I love Niall & Kara there is chemistry between them, they feed off each other, they trust each other & they work so well together. In this book more is learnt about Niall’s backstory, not a lot but enough to make me need the third part of the series – so I’m now impatiently waiting for it. My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This a great second installment on Ms. Marlowe's mystery series, The Kier & Levette Mysteries.
I adored this book as much as the first. Our main characters are back, Kara Levette and Niall Kier. They are getting ready to shut down the Great Exhibition of 1851. It has been months, their friendship has grown stronger and Kara has managed to expand her area of friendships.
At the beginning, Kara is getting brought in the Druid's Grove, an eclectic group of people who believe that historical ideals and knowledge should not be forgotten. She has met most of them and calls them friends. As she is shown around the grove after the ceremony, she is warned about the poisonous plants by the triple Goddesses. Another is brought into the group also, a known blackmailer.
At the ending ceremonies for the Great Exhibit she falls dead, a glass with the poisonous plant pieces was seen in her hand just before she dropped. Suspicion falls on the leader of their group, but he is quickly cleared. Kara and Niall must follow the twists and turns of her life as they try to find her killer. Back, they find themselves going back to the beginning of her career as a blackmailer to find the truth of her death.
Five stars, I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one. Thank you for bring us into this new world of yours, Ms. Marlowe. Beautiful fun book with a touch of a spark of beginning romance for our two leads. You must pick up this book if you like historical mysteries, historical romances or just a good well plotted and written book.
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
This picks up a few months after the conclusion of the first book and finds our favorite innovators knee deep in another investigation. I love that this book focuses most of its attention on the murder investigation while giving some insight into the relationship forming between Kara and Niall. And as with the first book there are so many possible killers that you are kept on your toes and guessing until the big reveal. Although the actual killer was on my list of potential suspects, the entire story and motive were a surprise. The author does a great job of creating a victim that is pretty impossible to like, but one that you can still feel some sympathy for. There is definitely something big from Niall's past about to come out and I cannot wait to find out what it is. We get a little hint of it at the end of this book, but there is way much more going on. I am very much looking forward to book 3!
I have read the first two books of this series and I have to say they're excellent. I figure you have read the description if you are reading this. So here is my opinion. They are very well planned mysteries with some very unexpected twists keeping ya turning the pages. Her characters both main and supporting characters are so developed and real. Sin and all. The growth that both the main characters are going through personally together and separately is intelligent and such emotion. I couldn't stop thinking about these people and their lives when not reading about them. I want to talk with them and discuss what is going on. Maybe even get advise. I felt as if I were right there experiencing what was happening. I can't wait to be able to read the next. I finished a few days ago and still catch myself thinking about what happens next. No spoilers that this is a clean book. I would highly recommend this book to readers of historical mysteries and romance. Well done again Deb Marlowe! She is always a magnificent read.
"Death from the Druid's Grove" is a mystery set in 1851 in England. It felt like the series moved from a historical to a fantasy version of London. Yes, the mystery was based on historical problems of the time. However, the Druid’s Grove club was just bursting full of talented, outspoken women. Suddenly Kara seemed like just one of the crowd rather than uniquely talented, especially as so few of her skills were used to solve the mystery.
The clue-based mystery was still interesting, and whodunit wasn't obvious. Kara and Niall asked good questions. They used logic and their unique resources to find clues and solve whodunit. They worked well together and built each other up. There was no sex, but they had some rather intense kissing that made me think the next book might not stay sex-free. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of historical mysteries.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Stunning and highly recommended sequel that encompasses the dark history of some of the undersides of life very much of the times. Druids Grove inhabitants are wefted into the mystery that surrounds the death of their newest member. Marlowe has created an intriguing depth to the departed, and as the layers of her deceit and contradictions are revealed, a lesson for us all to remember that none of us are exclusively one thing or another. The story is well plotted and peppered with fascinating detail, and the author is to be congratulated for her care and attention to detail in her craft. We readers benefit from her expertise. As Levett and Kier get closer, more layers of their puzzle are peeled away as well. Despite the resolution of the mystery, their story continues, and I look forward to reading more. Brava.
I loved the first book in this series and was excited for book 2, which I got as an audio book. This one was a bit up-and-down for me, but it ended well.
I love strong female characters and Keira is that for the most part. This second book had a bit too much boo-hooing and tortured "does he love me" and "what is going on with us" drama for my taste. It just didn't fit with Keira's personality for me so I didn't love that aspect this time around.
The murder investigation was just as engaging as in the first book and I liked that part very much.
The ending of the book brought Keira back to the personality and determination from the first book, so I will read the next to - hopefully - see her get back to driving through and getting what she wants regardless of the obstacles put in her path.