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Cady Delafield #1
A Deadly Truth
When Doyle Flanagan finds two strangers in his library—one dead and the other the beautiful but meddlesome Cady Delafield, his life begins to unravel as all clues point to him for the murder. As the sexual tension sizzles and Victorian conventions crumble, Cady risks job, reputation and family ties to help him clear his name. Even as his life hangs in the balance, his passion for her drives him on, but will the truth about him be the one thing to scare her away?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Proell
14 books251 followersAfter hearing countless extraordinary stories as a social worker and mental health therapist, Joyce Proell retired and writes her own made-up tales. The worlds of historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries are her bailiwick. Her books feature lively, determined women who are unafraid to challenge the status quo or confront a perplexing mystery. She is a 2015 RWA Hearts through History winner.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 11, 2021
Ms. Proell satisfied me for a second time. I read her first published book set in western times. Now this Victorian era romantic mystery was equally enjoyable. She has a knack for placing the reader deep in the time period. What I enjoy in a book are characters I can easily visualize and love to love or hate. Cady is a whip, a woman for her time and yet timeless. Doyle is a hero's hero. Cady's sleuthing into a student's murder and her subsequent involvement with Doyle kept me turning the pages. I'm looking forward to Ms. Proell's next book.
August 16, 2014
Joyce Proell has written characters that are believable and sincere.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
October 23, 2017
Victorian era Chicago, was no stranger to murderous deeds. Cady Delafield discovers the body of her student in the home of accused murderer Doyle Flanagan. Putting her reputation, career, and life at stake she reluctantly joins him to hunt for the killer. Overall, the book was likable. The author put considerable effort to assure accuracy of the period (and probably the H.H. Holmes murders). Despite some continuity issues, it was a good Saturday afternoon read that will remove you from reality for a spell.
July 9, 2013
This is the second book I have read by this author, and this book was indeed a little edgier than her last. One of the possible reasons this may be the case is that it is a mystery instead of a straight romance. But don't be concerned--you will find fantastic romance and a strong heroine as in her other story. In addition to these elements, the reader will devour a mystery that is typical and yet spine-tingling.
Cady and Doyle make an unlikely couple as they investigate the inexplicable murders of young women. While I ultimately did discern the culprit, the author did not drop hints to make this a simple mystery. She even introduced a taboo social issue that surprised me but didn't offend me--homosexuality. Seeing this through the Victorian eye certainly sets this apart from other books in this genre. I honestly was not aware of the prevalence of women's preparatory colleges in that day and age, and this book inspires me to do a little research of my own on this topic.
While the book was intriguing for the most part, there were portions of the book that seemed a little slow. I am honestly not certain why I could not always connect with the characters, and sometimes the love portion of the story seemed a little stinted. There is a lot more profanity in this book than her last--not hardcore, thank goodness--and I didn't feel it was always necessary, but I did not let that affect my enjoyment nor rating of the book. I would have either preferred a little more action and/or a little more romance. This being the author's first mystery (as far as I know), perhaps I will enjoy her next one even more.
In short, I could recommend this book to those who love Victorian era mysteries and romances. The reader won't find hot and heavy bedroom scenes (for this, I am extremely grateful), and the morals of the characters are either good or reformed. I have no problem recommending this to a majority of readers I know who like this genre.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Cady and Doyle make an unlikely couple as they investigate the inexplicable murders of young women. While I ultimately did discern the culprit, the author did not drop hints to make this a simple mystery. She even introduced a taboo social issue that surprised me but didn't offend me--homosexuality. Seeing this through the Victorian eye certainly sets this apart from other books in this genre. I honestly was not aware of the prevalence of women's preparatory colleges in that day and age, and this book inspires me to do a little research of my own on this topic.
While the book was intriguing for the most part, there were portions of the book that seemed a little slow. I am honestly not certain why I could not always connect with the characters, and sometimes the love portion of the story seemed a little stinted. There is a lot more profanity in this book than her last--not hardcore, thank goodness--and I didn't feel it was always necessary, but I did not let that affect my enjoyment nor rating of the book. I would have either preferred a little more action and/or a little more romance. This being the author's first mystery (as far as I know), perhaps I will enjoy her next one even more.
In short, I could recommend this book to those who love Victorian era mysteries and romances. The reader won't find hot and heavy bedroom scenes (for this, I am extremely grateful), and the morals of the characters are either good or reformed. I have no problem recommending this to a majority of readers I know who like this genre.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
December 26, 2019
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
With a strong female character this book captured your imagination as you got involved with Cady Delafield's life and her search for the truth. Written during the 1880's she was a woman with a quest; to help other women become independent, running a school where she taught them certain skills to better themselves in the world. Because of her own past she was driven to help young women in this. But when two of her students end up murdered she used the same vigor and tenacity to find a killer.
Instead of waiting for the police to do their work she went about searching homes of potential suspects to find the culprit but at the end she'd found more than just the killer. Protecting her family was of the utmost importance securing their happiness even if they didn't agree.
A heroic tale of one woman's search for the truth while fending for her family and students, fighting her way through mindsets and town gossip. She was not easily swayed from her task, head strong and a real burden - or must I say "a pain in the neck" - to one man in particular.
Doyle Flannagan, suspect number one, successful business owner, widower knew all the women that's killed, including his own wife. The weight of her death still hanging over him even if it were proven that he didn't. With a unforgiving mother-in-law and relentless police officer out to get him, not convince of his innocent "act"; he did everything he could to proof not only to the ton but Cady that he was indeed innocent.
Her association with him caused problems where ever she went but; did I mention she was stubborn as well? Well she is, refused to listen to any argument or piling facts and at the end....really? Do get the book and read.**smile**
A wonderful tale of perseverance and love admits death and gossip that would any other person run. Fast paced, this story will hold your attention until the very end, and I for one cannot wait to read Book number two in this mystery.
The rest of the cast of supporting characters were well developed, each with their own unique personality that makes this book an enjoyable read.
Well done Joyce.
With a strong female character this book captured your imagination as you got involved with Cady Delafield's life and her search for the truth. Written during the 1880's she was a woman with a quest; to help other women become independent, running a school where she taught them certain skills to better themselves in the world. Because of her own past she was driven to help young women in this. But when two of her students end up murdered she used the same vigor and tenacity to find a killer.
Instead of waiting for the police to do their work she went about searching homes of potential suspects to find the culprit but at the end she'd found more than just the killer. Protecting her family was of the utmost importance securing their happiness even if they didn't agree.
A heroic tale of one woman's search for the truth while fending for her family and students, fighting her way through mindsets and town gossip. She was not easily swayed from her task, head strong and a real burden - or must I say "a pain in the neck" - to one man in particular.
Doyle Flannagan, suspect number one, successful business owner, widower knew all the women that's killed, including his own wife. The weight of her death still hanging over him even if it were proven that he didn't. With a unforgiving mother-in-law and relentless police officer out to get him, not convince of his innocent "act"; he did everything he could to proof not only to the ton but Cady that he was indeed innocent.
Her association with him caused problems where ever she went but; did I mention she was stubborn as well? Well she is, refused to listen to any argument or piling facts and at the end....really? Do get the book and read.**smile**
A wonderful tale of perseverance and love admits death and gossip that would any other person run. Fast paced, this story will hold your attention until the very end, and I for one cannot wait to read Book number two in this mystery.
The rest of the cast of supporting characters were well developed, each with their own unique personality that makes this book an enjoyable read.
Well done Joyce.
January 15, 2016
Set in Chicago in 1881, this is a not a bodice ripper, but a Victorian version of a nice little murder.
Cady Delafield is the eldest of her siblings, and had to find a way to help pay the bills when her father died. Now staying with her dictatorial grandmother, she struggles to follow her heart and her head with her role as the head of a trade school for working girls.
Finding one of her students dead in the front room of a wealthy businessman is the last straw. Breaking all bounds of propriety, Cady feels duty bound to investigate. The wealthy businessman is an Irishman called Doyle Flanagan, and he is the likely killer according to the detective on the case. But Cady’s suspicion is that someone else is to blame, despite Doyle’s rough demeanour.
Playing cat and mouse with the killer, while trying to keep the funding for the school and manage her fascination with Doyle, Cady has her hands full.
Proell updates the language and pacing of books of the era without losing the integrity of the time. The descriptions are atmospheric, without overwhelming the plot or the characters. The plot ticks along quite well, but there is a lot of dialogue, which while appropriate for the time, slows the action down, particularly in the midsection of the book. Proell does a good job of updating the pacing and language to make the story more palatable for modern audiences, without losing too much of the atmosphere and the culture of the era. The main characters are appropriate for the genre; the slightly naive but smart heroine, and the roguish with a heart of gold hero to help her save the day, but the other characters are paper thin.
I don’t know whether it was the expectation of a more modern book that threw me, but I admit to being a little bored in the midsection and wanted things to move more quickly. Perhaps I was in the wrong mood for something as full of dialogue and propriety.
Cady Delafield is the eldest of her siblings, and had to find a way to help pay the bills when her father died. Now staying with her dictatorial grandmother, she struggles to follow her heart and her head with her role as the head of a trade school for working girls.
Finding one of her students dead in the front room of a wealthy businessman is the last straw. Breaking all bounds of propriety, Cady feels duty bound to investigate. The wealthy businessman is an Irishman called Doyle Flanagan, and he is the likely killer according to the detective on the case. But Cady’s suspicion is that someone else is to blame, despite Doyle’s rough demeanour.
Playing cat and mouse with the killer, while trying to keep the funding for the school and manage her fascination with Doyle, Cady has her hands full.
Proell updates the language and pacing of books of the era without losing the integrity of the time. The descriptions are atmospheric, without overwhelming the plot or the characters. The plot ticks along quite well, but there is a lot of dialogue, which while appropriate for the time, slows the action down, particularly in the midsection of the book. Proell does a good job of updating the pacing and language to make the story more palatable for modern audiences, without losing too much of the atmosphere and the culture of the era. The main characters are appropriate for the genre; the slightly naive but smart heroine, and the roguish with a heart of gold hero to help her save the day, but the other characters are paper thin.
I don’t know whether it was the expectation of a more modern book that threw me, but I admit to being a little bored in the midsection and wanted things to move more quickly. Perhaps I was in the wrong mood for something as full of dialogue and propriety.
October 25, 2013
I was interested in reading this book because of the blurb- curious socialite running a school for girls meets brooding widower suspected of murder. It's an intriguing premise but the execution falters. Arcadia meets Doyle Flannagan under the worst of circumstances; she finds the body of one of her students in his front room. He pleads his innocence but he is suspected of murdering his late wife so no one in acceptable society or on the police force believes his claims. Cady however, isn't convinced he's a cold blooded killer. When another one of her students turns up dead and evidence points to Doyle they team up, reluctantly of course, to solve the mystery. Overall the story is a sweet one and there is enough tension in the plot to hold the reader's interest.
There are a few stumbles along the way. Doyle's various relationships with secondary characters tend to pop up out of nowhere then are dropped or too neatly tied up. For instance his father makes a brief appearance in the middle of the book but does nothing to advance the plot. Cady and Doyle's growing romance has no real build up. She vacillates a bit about whether he’s the right type of guy but not for too long. Doyle, while a stronger character, appears to change midway through the novel as if the author got tired of the brooding hero. I would read this book more for the murder mystery than for the romance and that is a shame because the potential for a really great romance using these two characters is amazing.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
There are a few stumbles along the way. Doyle's various relationships with secondary characters tend to pop up out of nowhere then are dropped or too neatly tied up. For instance his father makes a brief appearance in the middle of the book but does nothing to advance the plot. Cady and Doyle's growing romance has no real build up. She vacillates a bit about whether he’s the right type of guy but not for too long. Doyle, while a stronger character, appears to change midway through the novel as if the author got tired of the brooding hero. I would read this book more for the murder mystery than for the romance and that is a shame because the potential for a really great romance using these two characters is amazing.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
June 30, 2014
This book kept me engaged and wondering what dreadful thing would happen next. I loved Cady, inquisitive, compassionate, and strong-minded; she is definitely a woman somewhat out of sync with the time, yet I had no difficultly believing her motivations. She may not have exactly fit the mold for women in the Victorian era but she is certainly a trendsetter – a woman with vision and integrity ready to seize new opportunities as they came along for her students. Poised on the eve of the industrial revolution, Cady believed women could be trained and allowed to earn a wage in jobs formerly not open to them.
The book moved along at a great pace with events and conversations that felt authentic to the time. There is humor and fun, too, along the way. Cady meets Doyle, under perplexing and odd circumstances. Sparks fly, Tempers flare, and both have a difficult introduction. The cause is tragic, but the ensuing chaos made me smile, more than once. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that Doyle’s legal problems are mounting. Piece by piece the mystery unfolds.
This is the first book in what will be a fabulous historical mystery series. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging. This novel is sure to please a wide range of readers.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
The book moved along at a great pace with events and conversations that felt authentic to the time. There is humor and fun, too, along the way. Cady meets Doyle, under perplexing and odd circumstances. Sparks fly, Tempers flare, and both have a difficult introduction. The cause is tragic, but the ensuing chaos made me smile, more than once. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that Doyle’s legal problems are mounting. Piece by piece the mystery unfolds.
This is the first book in what will be a fabulous historical mystery series. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging. This novel is sure to please a wide range of readers.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
July 22, 2013
I didn't take to the cover of this novel, but I liked the idea of a Victorian era mystery, so I thought I'd give it a go. Joyce Proell writes a wonderful story here. She has a beautiful voice, interesting characters, and a nac for mystery writing. The book hits the ground running and then leads you deeper into the mystery as you read. It reads easy, and quick, but is deep enough to keep from boring. Definitely an intriguing book. I especially loved the setting to this one. I would recommend it.
Please note, I received this novel free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and words are my own.
Please note, I received this novel free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and words are my own.
October 7, 2013
A Deadly Truth is an engaging mystery set in historic Chicago. The delightful Cady Delafield finds herself in the middle of a murder and a precarious relationship with the man who becomes the prime suspect. Her inquisitiveness over the death of her student puts her reputation, career, and family at risk. While the handsome Doyle Flanagan initially finds her meddlesome, his attraction grows as they work together to prove he is not the murder.
The setting, actions, and characters stay true to the 1880’s time frame and Joyce Proell takes the reader on a journey of suspense, humor, and love. An excellent read.
The setting, actions, and characters stay true to the 1880’s time frame and Joyce Proell takes the reader on a journey of suspense, humor, and love. An excellent read.
January 14, 2016
A Deadly Truth is a Victorian suspense novel. I really liked this description: When Doyle Flanagan finds two strangers in his library—one dead and the other the beautiful but meddlesome Cady Delafield, his life begins to unravel as all clues point to him for the murder.
If you like Victorian mysteries with a healthy dollop of romance, you might like this one. I could have done without the cliched romance, but then, my interests rarely lie in this area.
Goodreads/Champagne Books
Mystery. 2013. Print version: 272 pages.
If you like Victorian mysteries with a healthy dollop of romance, you might like this one. I could have done without the cliched romance, but then, my interests rarely lie in this area.
Goodreads/Champagne Books
Mystery. 2013. Print version: 272 pages.
October 4, 2020
Joyce has written a page-turning mystery and has me wanting more. Set in Chicago during the Victorian era, you get murder and a budding romance. Wealthy Doyle Flanagan comes home to find a dead woman in his library, and one very much alive beautiful Cady Delafield. Cady comes from wealth but is working on changing the views of women in the workforce. Together they work to solve the murder and save Doyle’s name and reputation.
January 29, 2016
Although Doyle Flanagan's wife committed suicide, society in Chicago 1881 has decided he is guilty of causing her death.
As Cady Delafield goes looking for one of her missing students she finds her dead in the home of Flanagan. But Cady begins to believe he is being framed just as she starts to have feelings for him.
We have mystery, romance and I really enjoyed reading this NetGalley free book. Intending to read the next in the series.
As Cady Delafield goes looking for one of her missing students she finds her dead in the home of Flanagan. But Cady begins to believe he is being framed just as she starts to have feelings for him.
We have mystery, romance and I really enjoyed reading this NetGalley free book. Intending to read the next in the series.
January 21, 2016
Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
Wasn't anything new or exciting in the genre, but a good little read.
Wasn't anything new or exciting in the genre, but a good little read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews