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Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #4
Deadly Illusion
What is real or only an illusion?
Ghostly images that appear and float across the stage, objects that levitate into the air, and a beautiful assistant who disappears inside a glass box, then reappears inside a second glass box. All while the audience at the Crystal Palace, including amateur investigator Mikaela Forsythe, watch the performance.
Is it real? Can the audience believe what they see?
Then, an evening with her friend, Theodora Templeton while attending the one-night performance by master illusionist, Jean Luc Betard, takes a ghastly turn and plunges Mikaela headlong into murder when the illusionist's young assistant is found dead at the end of his newest stunt.
The police, specifically Chief Inspector Abberline, who is also in attendance, declare it a tragic accident in an illusion gone wrong. But after making her own observations Mikaela is not convinced and places a call to Private Investigator Angus Brodie.
Their's is a complicated partnership, more so with his latest work with the Special Services organization at the conclusion of their previous case, and that particularly complicated conversation he insisted on having with her.
Irritating man!
Never the less, Mikaela is certain there is more amiss than merely a tragic accident, and Brodie is forced to admit that she may be right, pulling them together once more, personal feelings aside. Or possibly not...
That certainty takes both of them on a dangerous trail of clues that appear and then just as quickly disappear much like the illusionist's tricks.
The case is no slight of hand, but a series of dangerous illusions meant to deceive both Mikaela and Brodie, and perhaps make them both disappear for good, while the murderer goes about his deadly scheme.
And then, there is that conversation that she walked out on before, but he insists on having, even in the midst of murder.
Oh my!
Ghostly images that appear and float across the stage, objects that levitate into the air, and a beautiful assistant who disappears inside a glass box, then reappears inside a second glass box. All while the audience at the Crystal Palace, including amateur investigator Mikaela Forsythe, watch the performance.
Is it real? Can the audience believe what they see?
Then, an evening with her friend, Theodora Templeton while attending the one-night performance by master illusionist, Jean Luc Betard, takes a ghastly turn and plunges Mikaela headlong into murder when the illusionist's young assistant is found dead at the end of his newest stunt.
The police, specifically Chief Inspector Abberline, who is also in attendance, declare it a tragic accident in an illusion gone wrong. But after making her own observations Mikaela is not convinced and places a call to Private Investigator Angus Brodie.
Their's is a complicated partnership, more so with his latest work with the Special Services organization at the conclusion of their previous case, and that particularly complicated conversation he insisted on having with her.
Irritating man!
Never the less, Mikaela is certain there is more amiss than merely a tragic accident, and Brodie is forced to admit that she may be right, pulling them together once more, personal feelings aside. Or possibly not...
That certainty takes both of them on a dangerous trail of clues that appear and then just as quickly disappear much like the illusionist's tricks.
The case is no slight of hand, but a series of dangerous illusions meant to deceive both Mikaela and Brodie, and perhaps make them both disappear for good, while the murderer goes about his deadly scheme.
And then, there is that conversation that she walked out on before, but he insists on having, even in the midst of murder.
Oh my!
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
399 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 11, 2023
I have read all books in the series in order and have enjoyed each a little bit less than the previous. I liked the start of the mystery but got bogged down about a third of the way through the book and picked it up and set it down multiple times. The romance does advance but it just didn't click for me. The last third does pick up the pace. Many have enjoyed this book I just found it ok. 3.25* Will I continue with the series...Yes, as I do like the characters.
August 11, 2023
Here’s the thing…
These books aren’t terrible. In fact, they are often entertaining. However, they need a lot of editing. Spelling and grammar errors abound, though they are hardly the worst of it. If I never have to read the phrase “my aunt’s very fine whisky” again, I will be thrilled. Once, at the top of the book, to explain the whisky, is more than enough. Please stop. This book contained two additional egregiously overused/misused phrases, “as they say” and using the word “at” when “on” is correct. For example, “I placed it down at the table,” or “I laid my hand at his face,” etc., etc. It’s as if the author discovers a new turn of phrase that she becomes obsessed with, and then uses it constantly. It just takes you so far out of the story.
Then she stretches the story out unnecessarily for far too long, and rushes at the end. There’s rarely any sense of finality to the stories. Mikaela and Brodie have been toying with each other for four books, with very little forward movement with the relationship. Every book so far has ended without any kind of real resolution. So, because of these things, I’m going to have to say goodbye to these characters. It’s just gotten too hard to read through the stories anymore.
These books aren’t terrible. In fact, they are often entertaining. However, they need a lot of editing. Spelling and grammar errors abound, though they are hardly the worst of it. If I never have to read the phrase “my aunt’s very fine whisky” again, I will be thrilled. Once, at the top of the book, to explain the whisky, is more than enough. Please stop. This book contained two additional egregiously overused/misused phrases, “as they say” and using the word “at” when “on” is correct. For example, “I placed it down at the table,” or “I laid my hand at his face,” etc., etc. It’s as if the author discovers a new turn of phrase that she becomes obsessed with, and then uses it constantly. It just takes you so far out of the story.
Then she stretches the story out unnecessarily for far too long, and rushes at the end. There’s rarely any sense of finality to the stories. Mikaela and Brodie have been toying with each other for four books, with very little forward movement with the relationship. Every book so far has ended without any kind of real resolution. So, because of these things, I’m going to have to say goodbye to these characters. It’s just gotten too hard to read through the stories anymore.
May 28, 2024
Well despite my misgivings after book 3, I started this but only got a couple chapters in before calling it quits. I mean ‘my aunts very fine whiskey’ was on the very first page for Pete’s sake! I really want to know what happens with Mikaela and Brodie.
but I am not going to spend my reading time being frustrated by overused phrases, bad editing, grammar mistakes and continuity lapses. There are so many authors and books I want to read that I’ve decided not to finish the book or the series. It’s a shame, I really wanted to like this series and I hate that I paid for a book I’m not going to finish.
but I am not going to spend my reading time being frustrated by overused phrases, bad editing, grammar mistakes and continuity lapses. There are so many authors and books I want to read that I’ve decided not to finish the book or the series. It’s a shame, I really wanted to like this series and I hate that I paid for a book I’m not going to finish.
July 30, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #4
Publication Date: 8/8/23
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 295
How can you not love a book that has mystery, mayhem, madness, magicians, and murder? I found the first book of this series by a new-to-me author as a ‘free’ read through Amazon Prime and I was instantly hooked and have read each subsequent book. Mikaela Forsythe is a very smart, feisty, free-thinking woman who supports herself through writing adventure novels – and many of those novels are based upon her own real-life experiences. Angus Brodie is a straight-laced, dour, over-protective, Scot who was formerly an Inspector with the Metropolitan Police. He left the police under circumstances that have not yet been revealed to us, but I suspect it is a case of Brodie being right about something the mucky mucks wanted him to be wrong about it. The supporting characters are a varied and interesting lot from an actress with a 4-foot iguana to a chemist (pharmacist) with a penchant for dissection and an octogenarian aunt who is indomitable, enlightened, and planning a safari to Africa for herself.
Mikaela’s actress friend, Theodora Templeton, invited her to attend a one-night-only performance by illusionist Jean Luc Betard at the Crystal Palace. Betard was the premier Illusionist of the time and he was unveiling a never-seen-before illusion before leaving on tour to the continent. Pragmatic and practical Mikaela knows it is all trickery – drawing your attention to one place while the action is happening in another. However, this illusion defies logic. How could this beautiful young woman possibly disappear from one box and reappear in another? Magic surely. Until – the body – right on stage – Oh! My!
Chief Inspector Abberline is a total twit and when he declares it a tragic accident, Mikaela sends word to Brodie. Mikaela could plainly see it wasn’t an accident. When Betard hires Brodie and Mikaela to find out what really happened, they are thrown into a world of illusions where nothing and no one is what they seem. As more bodies turn up and threatening notes promise more to come, they know the answers lie in deeply kept secrets. Once they unearth those secrets, they’ll know who the murderer is – and why. But, even with the answers, will they be able to keep the murderer from striking again? You’ll just have to read the book to see.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can definitely recommend it. The mystery is excellently done, the pacing is quick and keeps you flipping from page to page, and there is finally some movement in the relationship between Brodie and Mikaela. My only complaint about the book is that it almost makes Mikaela appear to be an alcoholic as often as she has a drink (morning, noon, and night) of her “aunt's very fine whisky”. That is the other thing that bugged me – I think that phrase appeared at least once in every chapter – including the epilogue. Those two things are why I rated it at 4.5 stars but rounded it up to 5.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #4
Publication Date: 8/8/23
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 295
How can you not love a book that has mystery, mayhem, madness, magicians, and murder? I found the first book of this series by a new-to-me author as a ‘free’ read through Amazon Prime and I was instantly hooked and have read each subsequent book. Mikaela Forsythe is a very smart, feisty, free-thinking woman who supports herself through writing adventure novels – and many of those novels are based upon her own real-life experiences. Angus Brodie is a straight-laced, dour, over-protective, Scot who was formerly an Inspector with the Metropolitan Police. He left the police under circumstances that have not yet been revealed to us, but I suspect it is a case of Brodie being right about something the mucky mucks wanted him to be wrong about it. The supporting characters are a varied and interesting lot from an actress with a 4-foot iguana to a chemist (pharmacist) with a penchant for dissection and an octogenarian aunt who is indomitable, enlightened, and planning a safari to Africa for herself.
Mikaela’s actress friend, Theodora Templeton, invited her to attend a one-night-only performance by illusionist Jean Luc Betard at the Crystal Palace. Betard was the premier Illusionist of the time and he was unveiling a never-seen-before illusion before leaving on tour to the continent. Pragmatic and practical Mikaela knows it is all trickery – drawing your attention to one place while the action is happening in another. However, this illusion defies logic. How could this beautiful young woman possibly disappear from one box and reappear in another? Magic surely. Until – the body – right on stage – Oh! My!
Chief Inspector Abberline is a total twit and when he declares it a tragic accident, Mikaela sends word to Brodie. Mikaela could plainly see it wasn’t an accident. When Betard hires Brodie and Mikaela to find out what really happened, they are thrown into a world of illusions where nothing and no one is what they seem. As more bodies turn up and threatening notes promise more to come, they know the answers lie in deeply kept secrets. Once they unearth those secrets, they’ll know who the murderer is – and why. But, even with the answers, will they be able to keep the murderer from striking again? You’ll just have to read the book to see.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can definitely recommend it. The mystery is excellently done, the pacing is quick and keeps you flipping from page to page, and there is finally some movement in the relationship between Brodie and Mikaela. My only complaint about the book is that it almost makes Mikaela appear to be an alcoholic as often as she has a drink (morning, noon, and night) of her “aunt's very fine whisky”. That is the other thing that bugged me – I think that phrase appeared at least once in every chapter – including the epilogue. Those two things are why I rated it at 4.5 stars but rounded it up to 5.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 13, 2023
Enough with the ‘’very fine whisky’’, please.
If I have to read that stupid phrase one more time in this series, I’m going to claw my eyes out. It immediately takes me out of the story. It’s not a clever, cute little saying. It’s annoying. Please stop. The story itself was, as always, quite interesting. I like the series but sometimes authors add these little recurring phrases that they think are distinctive or unique but are just glaring and overly used. Like ‘’speaking glance’’ or ‘’I digress’’ is another one here. It’s ok the first couple dozen times but after using it every single chance you get, it begins to grate. Great characters though.
If I have to read that stupid phrase one more time in this series, I’m going to claw my eyes out. It immediately takes me out of the story. It’s not a clever, cute little saying. It’s annoying. Please stop. The story itself was, as always, quite interesting. I like the series but sometimes authors add these little recurring phrases that they think are distinctive or unique but are just glaring and overly used. Like ‘’speaking glance’’ or ‘’I digress’’ is another one here. It’s ok the first couple dozen times but after using it every single chance you get, it begins to grate. Great characters though.
February 21, 2024
I didn't enjoy this fourth book of the Brodie/Mikaela series as much as the others I have read. For one thing I just don't get into illusionist/magician acts and also found the death of a performer more unsettling than believable. The relationship between Angus and Mikaela was also put to sleep for the most part. Will try one of the author's other series perhaps. [looked at Clan Fraser series - books over 500 pages? Nope.]
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August 5, 2023
An evening out to see an illusionist perform turns deadly for Mikaela Forsythe and her friend Theodora Templeton. One of the assistants to the illusionist is killed and while the police say a tragic accident Mikaela thinks it’s more. She drags a reluctant Brodie into the fold and her instincts prove true. When the illusionist calls on them to investigate no one can imagine what follows. A twisted plot of murder, revenge and deadly secrets make this case more than what it appears to be. Mikaela and Brodie must use all the tools and assets at their disposal to bring the truth and a murderer to light.
I very much enjoyed how each new bit of information ratcheted up the tension for the characters and the reader as well. Much like any good illusionist would do we are expected to look one way, when really we should be focusing another. The attention to detail both historically and magically made this book even more inviting. The developments on the personal front between our two detectives can I just say yay?!
I love this series for the characters, the peek into the past and of course for the wonderful mysteries!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I very much enjoyed how each new bit of information ratcheted up the tension for the characters and the reader as well. Much like any good illusionist would do we are expected to look one way, when really we should be focusing another. The attention to detail both historically and magically made this book even more inviting. The developments on the personal front between our two detectives can I just say yay?!
I love this series for the characters, the peek into the past and of course for the wonderful mysteries!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2024
Starred reviews of these books keep going up. It is clear that mostly only the superfans keep going. Same complaints as before—redundant phrasing, poor editing, uneven characterization. Still. The author has effectively pegged the time period for all the Victorian tropes. In this one it was the early fascination with illusionists. Practical chemistry. New inventions. Forensics. Also very fine whiskey. Dark gaze. Lass. We need some character growth here for our leads. And some admissions.
February 21, 2024
The mysteries in these stories are quite good. This one was easier to figure out than the others. But that’s not why I gave this book a 3. Someone should really have spent more time proofreading. There are so many mistakes.
August 18, 2023
Proof read much?
This was banged out with major plot holes and the worst editing ever. Slow down and don't ruin the rest of the series please.
This was banged out with major plot holes and the worst editing ever. Slow down and don't ruin the rest of the series please.
November 3, 2023
Fourth in the Angus Brodie/Mikaela Forsythe historical mystery series set in 1880s London, this one finds Brodie (an appropriately brooding Scottish former police officer) and Mikaela (an unconventional member of the ton) investigating the death of a young woman who was murdered during a master illusionist’s newest stunt.
As the bodies begin mounting and more threats emerge, the case becomes increasingly murky and dangerous. And as Brodie and Mikaela draw closer, there are also questions of a personal nature that they will need to address very soon.
Unfortunately I’m still noticing some editing issues that should be caught as far as repetition (both in story/writing), but I’m still as invested in these characters, their cases and their friends as I was at the beginning of the series. Enjoying each new episode.
As the bodies begin mounting and more threats emerge, the case becomes increasingly murky and dangerous. And as Brodie and Mikaela draw closer, there are also questions of a personal nature that they will need to address very soon.
Unfortunately I’m still noticing some editing issues that should be caught as far as repetition (both in story/writing), but I’m still as invested in these characters, their cases and their friends as I was at the beginning of the series. Enjoying each new episode.
March 12, 2024
Deadly Illusion
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love reading mysteries and clean romance. This series fits the the bill. 😊 The characters are interesting, engaging and eccentric. I have always been interested in illusionist.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love reading mysteries and clean romance. This series fits the the bill. 😊 The characters are interesting, engaging and eccentric. I have always been interested in illusionist.
August 31, 2023
The story has possible entertainment. However I was confused as to the number of characters with similar initials. I tried hanging to the book ( reading it), but my interest was lost. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2023
On the last book one of my pet peeves was the the incessant mentioning of whisky to the point that it started to bug the hell out of me, imagine my surprise when the words 'very fine whisky' was on the first page this lead me to doing a search of the book for whisky which was mention 34 times and the phrase 'very fine whisky' a mere 19 times. This annoyance took away from the story which was okay and while I do like the two main characters I could really do without Templeton and the whole ghost of Shakespeare. I also liked that our duo was more of a detecting duo rather than them investigating separately. Their relationship did move on significantly which was good. Finally I'm not sure if this author has had haggis I would think so as she is married to a Scot but I have never had haggis made with potatoes and vegetables so I don't know what she was describing.
August 11, 2023
I was disappointed with this book & didn’t find it to be the author’s best. The editing was also not up to par as with previous books - there was so much redundancy of common phrases, backstories unnecessarily repeated, and fluff to fill the plot. Most importantly, the mystery was too predictable. I had my guesses, which with the photograph were immediately confirmed. From there on, the story dragged.
On the relationship front, Brodie & Mikaela still have their noncommittal committal. Yes, there was a physical progression but again, no forthright communication. It’s the same skirt around the issue - a common subplot in mysteries with romance. Somebody try something new please!
Hopefully, the next one will be interesting
On the relationship front, Brodie & Mikaela still have their noncommittal committal. Yes, there was a physical progression but again, no forthright communication. It’s the same skirt around the issue - a common subplot in mysteries with romance. Somebody try something new please!
Hopefully, the next one will be interesting
August 27, 2023
Proofreader Needed
A great storyline (which is what the five stars are for), as always, but the repetition of the harsh “very fine whiskey” has become grating. It really doesn’t need to be included anymore. Also, several errrs that would have been caught by a proofreader.
A great storyline (which is what the five stars are for), as always, but the repetition of the harsh “very fine whiskey” has become grating. It really doesn’t need to be included anymore. Also, several errrs that would have been caught by a proofreader.
September 10, 2023
Deadly Illusion
This book was difficult to get through. I do not know if it was me or the book. I had much going on. One thing this book described more than most.
This book was difficult to get through. I do not know if it was me or the book. I had much going on. One thing this book described more than most.
August 4, 2023
Oh, wow what can one say about a book like this? I swear every book in this series just gets better and better. If you have not read the series yet, please go back and start at the beginning. There is so much history to all the characters that you will miss if you read the books out of order. In this fourth book we met up with all our favorite characters, Mikaela and Brodie, Templeton and Munro, The Mudger and of course the hound, Rufus plus the dim-witted Inspector Abberline. The last book left us with Mikaela and Brodie at odds over certain things, this book picks up from there. Mikaela and Templeton are at the theater to see an illusionist when his assistant is found dead. Of course, good old Abberline messes up the crime leaving Mikaela to call Brodie and they are off on another puzzle, mystery and murder to solve. There are many clues and problems to solve. With plenty of ups and downs, our team works against time to find killer. While working on the cause Mikaela gives both Brodie and us a scare when she is injured. With help from Mr. Brimley the chemist, and the rest of their friends will they find the killer before it’s too late? Will both Brodie and Mikaela allow themselves to admit to their feelings and maybe act on them? So many questions and to find the answers you need to hurry and get started reading!! Once you do you will not be able to put this book down. Far warning, you will get nothing done till the end. Loved it, I can’t wait to see what Cara has for us next. Maybe more about Brodie’s past? I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
August 11, 2023
I thought that I would die of boredom as I read through the first nine chapters. Ugh 😩. However, the author rescued me from a slumberous stupor replete with snoring near the end of Chapter 10. The narrative that redeemed the novel pertained to the intimate dialogue between Mikaela and Brodie. I completely discarded the murder of Francoise, who was killed during an illusion that required the use of twins (she and Sophie) to pull it off by the illusionist Jean Luc Betard. The slow burn romance between our well-loved detectives renewed my interest in the novel, then the story became much more interesting. 😜
The mystery can be read as a standalone, because Simpson introduces readers to Mikaela’s family, servants and friends as well as she and Brodie’s stalwart companions, whom readers acquainted with the series already know. As our couple familiarize themselves with the case, they suspect that Betard harbors a secret. Betard initially has no idea who would wish to harm him but that changes near the end of the story. Mikaela and Brodie assemble clues provided at the scene, interview potential rival magicians, and delve into Betard’s history. In the meantime, there are a couple of budding romances to enjoy: journalist Lucy Penworth and Special Service agent Alex Sinclair, and actress Theodora Templeton (she talks to William Shakespeare - they’re besties 😂) and Brodie’s friend, Mr. Munro. At the end, everyone plays a part in an elaborate illusion to bait and ensnare the murderer. It’s a sensational ending to a boring beginning. It’s worth 4.5 🌟. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
The mystery can be read as a standalone, because Simpson introduces readers to Mikaela’s family, servants and friends as well as she and Brodie’s stalwart companions, whom readers acquainted with the series already know. As our couple familiarize themselves with the case, they suspect that Betard harbors a secret. Betard initially has no idea who would wish to harm him but that changes near the end of the story. Mikaela and Brodie assemble clues provided at the scene, interview potential rival magicians, and delve into Betard’s history. In the meantime, there are a couple of budding romances to enjoy: journalist Lucy Penworth and Special Service agent Alex Sinclair, and actress Theodora Templeton (she talks to William Shakespeare - they’re besties 😂) and Brodie’s friend, Mr. Munro. At the end, everyone plays a part in an elaborate illusion to bait and ensnare the murderer. It’s a sensational ending to a boring beginning. It’s worth 4.5 🌟. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Read
August 17, 20234.75
Brodie Aka Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe are quite the pair!
In this story their affair is quite open and public! It does seem that per Mr Cavendish Brodie was only making do with the women he paid before he became more serious about Mikaela. There are some secrets disclosed that were kind of glossed over that I found heart breaking but that’s my opinion!
This story is about illusions and I am an old Houdini fan so this was quite fascinating except in this trick someone was murdered and the body count rises! Brodie is still quite secretive about the work he does for Sir Avery and there is another couple who have definitely progressed in their relationship!
It is the brilliant balloonist and the newspaper writer Lucy Penworth and Alex Sinclair! Quite the couple like our own favorite duo!
There is an illusionist with closely guarded secrets and a past so tangled Mikaela and Brodie take a trip to Paris to unravel all of the secrets and the murders keep mounting and Jean Luc Aka Rene is the magician or master illusionist who has profited from another’s work!
Templeton also assists in this one! There are fires, murders and trips across the Canal as the mystery and the relationship heats up. I do so hope one of both have a happy ending! But I would love to see less usage of the phrase “my aunts very fine whiskey!” There was definitely a lot of imbibing in this story for sure!
Brodie Aka Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe are quite the pair!
In this story their affair is quite open and public! It does seem that per Mr Cavendish Brodie was only making do with the women he paid before he became more serious about Mikaela. There are some secrets disclosed that were kind of glossed over that I found heart breaking but that’s my opinion!
This story is about illusions and I am an old Houdini fan so this was quite fascinating except in this trick someone was murdered and the body count rises! Brodie is still quite secretive about the work he does for Sir Avery and there is another couple who have definitely progressed in their relationship!
It is the brilliant balloonist and the newspaper writer Lucy Penworth and Alex Sinclair! Quite the couple like our own favorite duo!
There is an illusionist with closely guarded secrets and a past so tangled Mikaela and Brodie take a trip to Paris to unravel all of the secrets and the murders keep mounting and Jean Luc Aka Rene is the magician or master illusionist who has profited from another’s work!
Templeton also assists in this one! There are fires, murders and trips across the Canal as the mystery and the relationship heats up. I do so hope one of both have a happy ending! But I would love to see less usage of the phrase “my aunts very fine whiskey!” There was definitely a lot of imbibing in this story for sure!
July 25, 2023
Mikaela finds herself wanting to know more about illusions after watching a show that ends in murder. She and Brodie are hired to try and solve the mystery of who is killing people and why. They mystery is good until the clues are revealed and then the who and why becomes clear. It has a clever theme to it that isn't uncovered until the end. Familiar characters are back and interesting trivia from the era is added throughout the story. It will be interesting to see where this couple goes next in their investigations. The only two items that detract from the story is the overuse of "her aunt's very fine whiskey" phrase and that there came a point that it was easy to figure out who the culprit out, yet they did not. Still it was a fun story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
I have loved this series with Mikaela and Brodie. To see their relationship change over time as they solve , yet another mystery. I love how the author keeps the reader guessing to almost the end and how she brings all the clues together. Brodie is the hard Scot who seems to be softening a bit and Mikaela is her normal independent self, but realizing sometimes you have to relinquish command. Auntie is her usual spiritedly self and who can forget Rufus….loved this book, about magicians, family , revenge and love. Some quite interesting historical facts, loved the personal intimate balloons and the explanation to Mikalea’s sister was hysterical. Great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
Review
I started reading this 4th book in the hopes that it would improve. It hasn't. I got to page 21 that's it. For some idiotic reason, the author insists on using Stupid repetitions Such as " but I digress", and "my aunts finest whiskey". I can't bring myself to try to finish this series. I find them boring, I find the Stupid repetition stuff extremely annoying so If I were to continue reading the series that If I were to continue reading the series that repetitious stuff would make me want to kill myself. To get a thorough idea of the reason why please read the review I left at the end of book 3. When I read those things over and over and over again for about the thousandth time I got really bored
I started reading this 4th book in the hopes that it would improve. It hasn't. I got to page 21 that's it. For some idiotic reason, the author insists on using Stupid repetitions Such as " but I digress", and "my aunts finest whiskey". I can't bring myself to try to finish this series. I find them boring, I find the Stupid repetition stuff extremely annoying so If I were to continue reading the series that If I were to continue reading the series that repetitious stuff would make me want to kill myself. To get a thorough idea of the reason why please read the review I left at the end of book 3. When I read those things over and over and over again for about the thousandth time I got really bored
August 4, 2023
This is the 4th book in the series and the 4th that I've read. I enjoyed it but didn't find it to be as good as the others. It started well but bogged down in the middle, to the point where I started to skim and found myself putting the book down several times without regret. I didn't miss anything as far as the investigation is concerned, either. The solution to the mystery seemed obvious to me fairly early in the book but that's really a minor issue compared to the fact that the investigation wasn't very exciting. A pleasant visit with characters I liked in previous books but that's all.
September 20, 2023
Well, I sort of finished in that I read the first several chapters and then flipped to the end. It's the same book as the last three with a different mystery. There is a lot of very fine whiskey, and the MC digresses a lot. What has become most annoying is the giving hints she has "gone all the way" yet cuts herself off in thought before admitting to it. Brodie doesn't make sense. He flushes with embarrassment for something as mild as a flirtatious look yet enters Mikaela's bathroom while she is showering and watches her. I'm assuming the dessert I read on the last page means they are going to have sex? Or are they truly going to eat the blackberry pie in his bedroom instead of the office?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
Very good. Even though I did get distracted a few times, Although some reviewers seem not happy, I am quite happy with the progress of the relationshipS. It was a different time. I still hate the fact that if Mikaela didn't have the upperclass (upper 10,000 i.e. the 'ton'?) aunt, well heritage, I guess, it would be an entirely different series. I am happy to claim English/Scot/Welsh/ Irish citizenship/afiliations (and a very little bit of French I think..) heritage, I'll never really know, so shall claim each, as appropriate, in my reading. :-)
NOTE--I did not do anything -- that i know of-- to trigger the spoiler alert; if someone else can tell me why ...please do!
NOTE--I did not do anything -- that i know of-- to trigger the spoiler alert; if someone else can tell me why ...please do!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
They are at it again
Mikaela and Brodie find themselves entangled with an illusion of the most curious kind in this mystery. When Mikaela and Templeton attend a magic show only to uncover murder, their plans are upended. This begins a new case for Brodie, Special Services, Templeton, Lucy and even the Hound play a part in untangling the secrets of childhood that come apart at the seams. Can they stop the murders? Will they solve the mystery of the person behind the mask? What is the connection to twins? Keep the pages turning as you take this ride through the world of illusions, but look quick before it all goes up in smoke.
Mikaela and Brodie find themselves entangled with an illusion of the most curious kind in this mystery. When Mikaela and Templeton attend a magic show only to uncover murder, their plans are upended. This begins a new case for Brodie, Special Services, Templeton, Lucy and even the Hound play a part in untangling the secrets of childhood that come apart at the seams. Can they stop the murders? Will they solve the mystery of the person behind the mask? What is the connection to twins? Keep the pages turning as you take this ride through the world of illusions, but look quick before it all goes up in smoke.
August 8, 2023
Mikaela and Templeton are at the Crystal Palace to watch an illusionist debut his newest illusion. Things turn deadly when his assistant is found dead at the end of the illusion. With the police saying it was an accident the case is closed. But the magician, Betard, does not agree and asks Brodie to look into what really happened. Thus begins a twisty tale of revenge that keeps a person guessing with each turn of the page.
Love the back and forth between Mikaela and Brodie. Rupert stole my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love the back and forth between Mikaela and Brodie. Rupert stole my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2024
Pretty good stories
Like the characters a lot & the mysteries are fun to help unravel. However, language use has gotten distracting/sloppy: 1) overuse and misuse of the preposition "at," ad nauseam; and 2) misuse of I and me in subjects of subordinate clauses and objects of prepositions, respectively. The last two books showed this consistently. This is disappointing because the first two were beautifully edited. If the books are told from Mikaela's viewpoint,why does Angus get top billing in the series title?I
Like the characters a lot & the mysteries are fun to help unravel. However, language use has gotten distracting/sloppy: 1) overuse and misuse of the preposition "at," ad nauseam; and 2) misuse of I and me in subjects of subordinate clauses and objects of prepositions, respectively. The last two books showed this consistently. This is disappointing because the first two were beautifully edited. If the books are told from Mikaela's viewpoint,why does Angus get top billing in the series title?I
June 13, 2024
Detectives a bit slow on the uptake
Storyline is interesting but the detectives are a a bit slow to piece together the information they accumulate into a cohesive theory. Also, there is one line found repeatedly throughout all of the novels in this series that is driving me crazy. Miss Forsythe constantly refers to “my aunt’s very fine whisky”. One book has that phrase 37 times. I think we get it. I also have difficulty with books that contain a lot of typos. I’d suggest a better proofreader.
Storyline is interesting but the detectives are a a bit slow to piece together the information they accumulate into a cohesive theory. Also, there is one line found repeatedly throughout all of the novels in this series that is driving me crazy. Miss Forsythe constantly refers to “my aunt’s very fine whisky”. One book has that phrase 37 times. I think we get it. I also have difficulty with books that contain a lot of typos. I’d suggest a better proofreader.
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