What do you think?
Rate this book
The Neve & Egan Cases #2
Ruby Heart
Have this ambitious private eye and her blind sidekick just accepted the wrong client?
Newbie investigator Alexandra Neve is sick and tired of tracking down cheating spouses. Fearing her business partner won’t stick around without something to sink his teeth into, she’s excited when an elderly woman tasks them with recovering a priceless family heirloom. And her curiosity becomes an obsession when she discovers the same piece of jewelry went missing once before—in Nazi Germany.
Convinced the robberies are connected, the persistent PIs dig through holocaust records and trace the twice-stolen necklace to a war-time love affair. But as the pair move closer to uncovering the historical truth, Alexandra returns home to find key evidence gone and death threats painted on the walls. Now she’s more determined than ever to crack the case…
Can the unlikely duo lift the lid on a 60-year-old mystery before someone stops them dead?
Ruby Heart is the second book in the captivating Neve & Egan cases mystery series. If you like puzzling crimes, one-of-a-kind characters, and dashes of history, then you’ll adore Cristelle Comby’s action-packed tale.
290 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
15 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Cristelle Comby
16 books262 followersCristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, in Greater Geneva, where she still resides.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 12, 2013
*Spoiler Alert*
Alexandra is a struggling PI with a blind university professor as her assistant. Most of her cases range from missing pets to cheating spouses. All of which barely pays her bills. She longs for a real case. She gets it in the form of an elderly woman who's heirloom, a ruby heart necklace is stolen, for the second time in a period of sixty years. This necklace is no ordinary piece of jewelry. It has a historical connection to the holocaust era. In order to solve the case of the stolen necklace, Alexandra and her partner, Ashford, delve into the past to figure out who stole it the first time. Her investigation lands her in a lot of trouble. When her home is sacked, her family threatened, and the only evidence she has linking the past thief to the recent one, Alexandra knows she is close to the truth.
Ruby Heart is the second book in the Neve and Egan series. Having not read the first book in the series, I was afraid I would miss a lot but I was pleasantly surprised that while sometimes references were made to incidents in the first book, they did not confuse or hamper the story line in Ruby Heart. I love a good detective story and this one has been added to my list. I have to admit, I was worried how a blind character could possibly be of any use to a PI but I loved Ash in the story, he certainly can pull his weight if he needs too (and he does :D)
Alexandra is a struggling PI with a blind university professor as her assistant. Most of her cases range from missing pets to cheating spouses. All of which barely pays her bills. She longs for a real case. She gets it in the form of an elderly woman who's heirloom, a ruby heart necklace is stolen, for the second time in a period of sixty years. This necklace is no ordinary piece of jewelry. It has a historical connection to the holocaust era. In order to solve the case of the stolen necklace, Alexandra and her partner, Ashford, delve into the past to figure out who stole it the first time. Her investigation lands her in a lot of trouble. When her home is sacked, her family threatened, and the only evidence she has linking the past thief to the recent one, Alexandra knows she is close to the truth.
Ruby Heart is the second book in the Neve and Egan series. Having not read the first book in the series, I was afraid I would miss a lot but I was pleasantly surprised that while sometimes references were made to incidents in the first book, they did not confuse or hamper the story line in Ruby Heart. I love a good detective story and this one has been added to my list. I have to admit, I was worried how a blind character could possibly be of any use to a PI but I loved Ash in the story, he certainly can pull his weight if he needs too (and he does :D)
December 24, 2013
It doesn't take a lot of cultural examination to discover Americans' love for mystery...especially when that mystery comes with a British accent. Sherlock Holmes still captures our imagination, we still flock to watch whodunit shows, we involve ourselves in real life mysteries as if it is our very lives they touch (and, sometimes, they do), etc. Mystery adds a little spice to life....but what if that mystery comes with a touch of the Holocaust and its horrors, physical limitations, the Russian mob, and romance?
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5, and here is why....
THE GOOD
This book tests and stretches the meaning of true friendship, what one can accomplish when one's physical limitations are tested, old grudges, old and new love, history, intrigue...
Alexandra Neve, familiarly known as Lexa to some (but only to some), is a young lady who lives in England and has established a private investigation firm with her best friend who also happens to be her past history professor - Ashford Eagan. A not-so-young (read "quite old and frail") woman shows up on her doorstep asking for help locating a priceless necklace that was fashioned by the woman's father. Oh, and this woman happens to be the daughter of Jews who did not quite make it through the Holocaust. And this necklace was originally stolen during a dreadful evening when many Jews were "rounded up" (ugh, the very thought of that term applied to humans makes me shudder), found years later in a secret stash in a crumbling house, and was restolen. That's where Neve & Egan come in.
Their task: find the stolen necklace.
The reality surrounding that task: successfully locating a necklace that has been twice stolen comes with some rather interesting and dangerous peril.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. : ) Now, it is the second book in the series and I have not yet read the first. That being said, this book contains a quality that I adore for books in mystery series - while reading the previous books are informative and helpful for fully understanding the current plot, the current plot is perfectly fine standing alone on its own two feet.
Comby tells the story through Lexa's eyes. We hear the inner dialogue of a young woman who is trying to figure out if this PI thing is truly right for her despite the fact that men in her life seem to want to complicate matters. She's a loveable character who rather reminds me a bit of Starbuck from "Battlestar Galactica" mixed with Evie from "The Mummy" mixed with Beckett from "Castle": a woman, scholarly in her own right, who has a strong penchant for justice and is a bit reckless....that's Lexa!
The trusty sidekick? Ashford Egan. Now, Ash and Lexa are best friends with nothing romantic happening between the two of them (yes, men and women can have deep and fulfilling friendships without being romantically entwined). Ash teaches history due to the rather pesky fact that the PI firm finds more lost dogs than lost jewelry (not a lot of $$ in finding lost dogs) and generally does his best to keep Lexa out of trouble. He's got some sort of difficult past that is alluded to, but about which we get a frustrating lack of detail...and he seems to want to keep it that way. What we do know is that he's blind, keeps his environment as rigidly controlled as possible to avoid stumbling, and is amazingly clever. I really like him.
At the end of the book, despite the fact that - as mentioned - I haven't read the first book yet, I felt as if I knew these two! Their interactions make sense for best friends (seriously - they rib each other like siblings, know each other super well, and make a great team). They are well developed, likeable, clever, and have amazingly selfless hearts for people...
....but I'm gushing too much about the characters. The plot deserves some attention too. Now, I'm super picky about mystery novel plots. I enjoy being surprised. While I figured out halfway through the book a major point that was revealed towards the end (I did, after all, cut my reading teeth on Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books), much of the ending surprised me. Much of it tied to the previous book, which is alluded to constantly, but not in a way that detracted from the current story. A whirlwind of a ride, this plot is engaging, approachable, friendly, and just plain fun to read!
I have to say this as well - I really and truly enjoyed the fact that one of the main characters is blind. Not that I wish everyone were blind, but it is refreshing to finally find a mystery book that helps make the case that physical limitations do not ruin a person's ability to be a fully contributing member of society. Thank you, Comby.
Local lingo peppers this work, the cover reminds me of a flag t-shirt that one of my best friends used to wear constantly, it is a quick and enjoyable read, the characters feel like real people I actually know, the plot is surprising and witty.....you can be sure I'll be reading more in this series!!
Did I forget to mention that Comby is super good at painting the setting? Yes? Well, Comby is super good at describing setting in a way that lets readers focus on the plot. There, now that point isn't forgotten. : )
THE BUGLY (Bad/Ugly)
I adore this book, but it is not without its faults:
First, it bugs me significantly that the number of rubies noted in the book itself to have been used to fashion the necklace in question does not match the number of rubies in the heart on the cover. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'm being annoyingly particular - but I'm good that that (I was also very annoyed that Effie's dress in the first "Hunger Games" movie was a garish pink when the book explicitly notes that it is green!!). Picky, picky Nora. :P
Second, as much as I like the descriptive quality of this work...it doesn't always flow the best in a few places. There are points when it feels like the author was struggling a bit between describing the scene in a way that made sense and in a way that was interesting...some of the descriptions felt forced, or like the author was just trying too hard.
Third, the characters sound like each other far too flibberting much! Yeah yeah, I harp on this constantly, but it bugs the daylights out of me. People from the same region talk like each other, this is true. It is also true that personality dictates our vocabulary and speech patterns to a certain extent (example: I once had a friend be able to tell I was irritated about something simply because of the vocab that I was using in a text....and I wasn't even swearing!!). When characters blend into one another, I become bugged. Here I was bugged. In Comby's defense, however, Lexa uses vocab that is unique to her (Italian swearwords, anyone?).
That's it. I really enjoyed this work and definitely plan on scooping up the other books in the series as soon as they come out!! Please try to read it - it is just plain fun! Scary in some parts, but an absolute literary delight!
(See more at my blog: onlygodwritestrees.blogspot.com)
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5, and here is why....
THE GOOD
This book tests and stretches the meaning of true friendship, what one can accomplish when one's physical limitations are tested, old grudges, old and new love, history, intrigue...
Alexandra Neve, familiarly known as Lexa to some (but only to some), is a young lady who lives in England and has established a private investigation firm with her best friend who also happens to be her past history professor - Ashford Eagan. A not-so-young (read "quite old and frail") woman shows up on her doorstep asking for help locating a priceless necklace that was fashioned by the woman's father. Oh, and this woman happens to be the daughter of Jews who did not quite make it through the Holocaust. And this necklace was originally stolen during a dreadful evening when many Jews were "rounded up" (ugh, the very thought of that term applied to humans makes me shudder), found years later in a secret stash in a crumbling house, and was restolen. That's where Neve & Egan come in.
Their task: find the stolen necklace.
The reality surrounding that task: successfully locating a necklace that has been twice stolen comes with some rather interesting and dangerous peril.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. : ) Now, it is the second book in the series and I have not yet read the first. That being said, this book contains a quality that I adore for books in mystery series - while reading the previous books are informative and helpful for fully understanding the current plot, the current plot is perfectly fine standing alone on its own two feet.
Comby tells the story through Lexa's eyes. We hear the inner dialogue of a young woman who is trying to figure out if this PI thing is truly right for her despite the fact that men in her life seem to want to complicate matters. She's a loveable character who rather reminds me a bit of Starbuck from "Battlestar Galactica" mixed with Evie from "The Mummy" mixed with Beckett from "Castle": a woman, scholarly in her own right, who has a strong penchant for justice and is a bit reckless....that's Lexa!
The trusty sidekick? Ashford Egan. Now, Ash and Lexa are best friends with nothing romantic happening between the two of them (yes, men and women can have deep and fulfilling friendships without being romantically entwined). Ash teaches history due to the rather pesky fact that the PI firm finds more lost dogs than lost jewelry (not a lot of $$ in finding lost dogs) and generally does his best to keep Lexa out of trouble. He's got some sort of difficult past that is alluded to, but about which we get a frustrating lack of detail...and he seems to want to keep it that way. What we do know is that he's blind, keeps his environment as rigidly controlled as possible to avoid stumbling, and is amazingly clever. I really like him.
At the end of the book, despite the fact that - as mentioned - I haven't read the first book yet, I felt as if I knew these two! Their interactions make sense for best friends (seriously - they rib each other like siblings, know each other super well, and make a great team). They are well developed, likeable, clever, and have amazingly selfless hearts for people...
....but I'm gushing too much about the characters. The plot deserves some attention too. Now, I'm super picky about mystery novel plots. I enjoy being surprised. While I figured out halfway through the book a major point that was revealed towards the end (I did, after all, cut my reading teeth on Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books), much of the ending surprised me. Much of it tied to the previous book, which is alluded to constantly, but not in a way that detracted from the current story. A whirlwind of a ride, this plot is engaging, approachable, friendly, and just plain fun to read!
I have to say this as well - I really and truly enjoyed the fact that one of the main characters is blind. Not that I wish everyone were blind, but it is refreshing to finally find a mystery book that helps make the case that physical limitations do not ruin a person's ability to be a fully contributing member of society. Thank you, Comby.
Local lingo peppers this work, the cover reminds me of a flag t-shirt that one of my best friends used to wear constantly, it is a quick and enjoyable read, the characters feel like real people I actually know, the plot is surprising and witty.....you can be sure I'll be reading more in this series!!
Did I forget to mention that Comby is super good at painting the setting? Yes? Well, Comby is super good at describing setting in a way that lets readers focus on the plot. There, now that point isn't forgotten. : )
THE BUGLY (Bad/Ugly)
I adore this book, but it is not without its faults:
First, it bugs me significantly that the number of rubies noted in the book itself to have been used to fashion the necklace in question does not match the number of rubies in the heart on the cover. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I'm being annoyingly particular - but I'm good that that (I was also very annoyed that Effie's dress in the first "Hunger Games" movie was a garish pink when the book explicitly notes that it is green!!). Picky, picky Nora. :P
Second, as much as I like the descriptive quality of this work...it doesn't always flow the best in a few places. There are points when it feels like the author was struggling a bit between describing the scene in a way that made sense and in a way that was interesting...some of the descriptions felt forced, or like the author was just trying too hard.
Third, the characters sound like each other far too flibberting much! Yeah yeah, I harp on this constantly, but it bugs the daylights out of me. People from the same region talk like each other, this is true. It is also true that personality dictates our vocabulary and speech patterns to a certain extent (example: I once had a friend be able to tell I was irritated about something simply because of the vocab that I was using in a text....and I wasn't even swearing!!). When characters blend into one another, I become bugged. Here I was bugged. In Comby's defense, however, Lexa uses vocab that is unique to her (Italian swearwords, anyone?).
That's it. I really enjoyed this work and definitely plan on scooping up the other books in the series as soon as they come out!! Please try to read it - it is just plain fun! Scary in some parts, but an absolute literary delight!
(See more at my blog: onlygodwritestrees.blogspot.com)
October 29, 2018
Really enjoying this series.
I am not a massive mystery reader but for me this has the right amount of humour, mystery and intrigue.
I love the dynamics between Lexa and Ash. They are friends with no hint of anything else and I like that.
Excited to read on.
I am not a massive mystery reader but for me this has the right amount of humour, mystery and intrigue.
I love the dynamics between Lexa and Ash. They are friends with no hint of anything else and I like that.
Excited to read on.
September 4, 2019
Nice quick read.
I read it because I loved part one. This one is not as nice but it is was a fun read again because of the MC's and the lack of graphic violence.
Will read part 3 for sure.
I read it because I loved part one. This one is not as nice but it is was a fun read again because of the MC's and the lack of graphic violence.
Will read part 3 for sure.
January 6, 2014
I recently read Ruby Heart by Cristelle Comby to review it as part of the author’s current blog tour.
This is how the author describes the book: “When elderly client Doris Hargrave informs private investigator Alexandra Neve that her beloved antique ruby heart necklace has gone missing for the second time in a period of over sixty years, Alexandra knows this is no ordinary jewellery theft. The ruby heart is a family heirloom and the only thing that connects an ailing Mrs Hargrave to her parents, who were murdered during the Holocaust.
To solve the case, Alexandra and her business partner, blind history professor Ashford Egan, must sift through obscure Holocaust documents to find out the truth. It’s in this way that they learn of a secret World War II era love affair which could hold the key to all the answers they are looking for. Meanwhile, Egan is under immense pressure from the university to quit his private investigating business, and Alexandra is afraid that a man she trusts will leave her. Again.
When Alexandra begins to receive anonymous threats and her flat is vandalised, this all becomes personal. Knowing that there is someone out there who wants to hurt her, Alexandra vows to find that elusive ruby heart if it’s the last thing she ever does.”
It seems that humour is an integral part of modern cosy mysteries. I didn’t really expect it when I began reading the book but I very much enjoyed it. Alexandra (Lexa) narrates the story and her tone is often flippant and full of deadpan humour. This is one of the things that most appealed to me about the novel – and made Lexa an appealing character.
Lexa and Ash are two rather bumbling private investigators and that adds to the book’s appeal. I liked the pair and wanted them to solve – and survive – their latest case. They aren’t completely inept but they still have a lot to learn about detective work. I admired the way the author handled Ash’s blindness. A handicapped protagonist who has moments of heroism in a crime story is unusual but Ash is portrayed with realism, including his limitations as well as his strengths.
Lexa and Ash are very different from each other and there is a significant age difference between them but they are a good team and good friends. There’s also an unacknowledged attraction between the pair that adds to the story’s tension.
The novel ably weaves together elements of the past in Nazi Germany with a mystery in present day London. Using the clues the author drops into the story, I thought I knew who stole the necklace and why. I was on the right track but I had to read to the end to tie up all the ends. Having an idea ‘whodunnit’ before the last page didn’t make me lose interest – I was engrossed in the private investigators’ lives and had to find out how they worked it out.
Ruby Heart is aimed at the new adult reader and, as the story unfolds, the author gets inside Lexa’s head to reveal the issues and insecurities that concern her as a young adult. While I am past that stage of my life this didn’t deter me from reading the story. Lexa is a well drawn character and I could empathise with her despite our differences.
The novel has a pair of likeable main characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. Despite being a mystery, it is a funny and a feel good story. I think it has a broader appeal than just the new adult market: it will appeal to any readers who enjoy cosy mysteries.
This is how the author describes the book: “When elderly client Doris Hargrave informs private investigator Alexandra Neve that her beloved antique ruby heart necklace has gone missing for the second time in a period of over sixty years, Alexandra knows this is no ordinary jewellery theft. The ruby heart is a family heirloom and the only thing that connects an ailing Mrs Hargrave to her parents, who were murdered during the Holocaust.
To solve the case, Alexandra and her business partner, blind history professor Ashford Egan, must sift through obscure Holocaust documents to find out the truth. It’s in this way that they learn of a secret World War II era love affair which could hold the key to all the answers they are looking for. Meanwhile, Egan is under immense pressure from the university to quit his private investigating business, and Alexandra is afraid that a man she trusts will leave her. Again.
When Alexandra begins to receive anonymous threats and her flat is vandalised, this all becomes personal. Knowing that there is someone out there who wants to hurt her, Alexandra vows to find that elusive ruby heart if it’s the last thing she ever does.”
It seems that humour is an integral part of modern cosy mysteries. I didn’t really expect it when I began reading the book but I very much enjoyed it. Alexandra (Lexa) narrates the story and her tone is often flippant and full of deadpan humour. This is one of the things that most appealed to me about the novel – and made Lexa an appealing character.
Lexa and Ash are two rather bumbling private investigators and that adds to the book’s appeal. I liked the pair and wanted them to solve – and survive – their latest case. They aren’t completely inept but they still have a lot to learn about detective work. I admired the way the author handled Ash’s blindness. A handicapped protagonist who has moments of heroism in a crime story is unusual but Ash is portrayed with realism, including his limitations as well as his strengths.
Lexa and Ash are very different from each other and there is a significant age difference between them but they are a good team and good friends. There’s also an unacknowledged attraction between the pair that adds to the story’s tension.
The novel ably weaves together elements of the past in Nazi Germany with a mystery in present day London. Using the clues the author drops into the story, I thought I knew who stole the necklace and why. I was on the right track but I had to read to the end to tie up all the ends. Having an idea ‘whodunnit’ before the last page didn’t make me lose interest – I was engrossed in the private investigators’ lives and had to find out how they worked it out.
Ruby Heart is aimed at the new adult reader and, as the story unfolds, the author gets inside Lexa’s head to reveal the issues and insecurities that concern her as a young adult. While I am past that stage of my life this didn’t deter me from reading the story. Lexa is a well drawn character and I could empathise with her despite our differences.
The novel has a pair of likeable main characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. Despite being a mystery, it is a funny and a feel good story. I think it has a broader appeal than just the new adult market: it will appeal to any readers who enjoy cosy mysteries.
May 12, 2016
Private investigators Alexandra Neve and Ashford Egan are hired to find the Ruby Heart. This is a beautiful necklace which was made by a Jewish jeweler out of love for his wife. During the war the necklace was stolen, but it turned up in Italy many years later. The rightful owner Doris Hargrave retrieved this irreplaceable necklace only for it to be stolen again.
Doris is an elderly woman who is reaching the end of her life. She wants nothing more than to get the necklace back, so she can give it to her granddaughter who will be married soon. The necklace represents eternal love and a happy marriage to Doris and this is of course also what she wants for her granddaughter.
Alexandra and Ash are doing everything they can to find the necklace for Doris. They go back in time to see if they can find out who stole the necklace during the war. They are convinced that the thefts are connected. When they get closer to the truth it is obvious that some very influential criminals are trying to stop them. It is not the first time that they have been in danger but these criminals aren't ready to give up before they have completed their job.
Alexandra and Ash are a strange combination. Ash is cold and keeps his emotions hidden. Alexandra is the reckless one with a fierce character. They both have other senses which they rely upon. Ash is blind so he is a master in hearing the underlying meaning of things people are saying. He can spot a liar immediately. Alexandra is depending on her eyes and pays attention to what body language can tell her. She is also a talented artist and is good at drawing detailed pictures. Even though they are so different they are best friends and will do anything for each other.
Cristelle Comby has written a vivid story. Ruby Heart starts during the war and ends many years later. Because of the detailed descriptions you are completely sucked into the story. You read about the awful times during the war but also how Alexandra and Ashford start with their investigations and how they go from lead to lead. The Ruby Heart sounds like a beautiful piece of jewelry and its sentimental value makes it so much more important.
If you like historical mysteries then I would really recommend you to pick up a book from Cristelle Comby. She gives her stories that little extra on every part that really counts.
Doris is an elderly woman who is reaching the end of her life. She wants nothing more than to get the necklace back, so she can give it to her granddaughter who will be married soon. The necklace represents eternal love and a happy marriage to Doris and this is of course also what she wants for her granddaughter.
Alexandra and Ash are doing everything they can to find the necklace for Doris. They go back in time to see if they can find out who stole the necklace during the war. They are convinced that the thefts are connected. When they get closer to the truth it is obvious that some very influential criminals are trying to stop them. It is not the first time that they have been in danger but these criminals aren't ready to give up before they have completed their job.
Alexandra and Ash are a strange combination. Ash is cold and keeps his emotions hidden. Alexandra is the reckless one with a fierce character. They both have other senses which they rely upon. Ash is blind so he is a master in hearing the underlying meaning of things people are saying. He can spot a liar immediately. Alexandra is depending on her eyes and pays attention to what body language can tell her. She is also a talented artist and is good at drawing detailed pictures. Even though they are so different they are best friends and will do anything for each other.
Cristelle Comby has written a vivid story. Ruby Heart starts during the war and ends many years later. Because of the detailed descriptions you are completely sucked into the story. You read about the awful times during the war but also how Alexandra and Ashford start with their investigations and how they go from lead to lead. The Ruby Heart sounds like a beautiful piece of jewelry and its sentimental value makes it so much more important.
If you like historical mysteries then I would really recommend you to pick up a book from Cristelle Comby. She gives her stories that little extra on every part that really counts.
December 19, 2013
As a private investigator, Alexandra Neve enjoys what she does. She gets to uncover clues about all sorts of mysteries, and sometimes delivers happy endings to those involved. There's nothing she'd rather do than immerse herself in uncovering anything and everything. The thrill of doing so always leaves her feeling she's accomplished something.
Until the moment a new case lands on her lap, that is. Only then, does everything change. Alongside Egan, her partner, Alexandra has been tasked to discover the mystery of the ruby heart. The pendant has supposedly been in Doris Hargrave's family for as long as she can remember, but the necklace has gone missing yet again.
While she might not have a clue as to what's happened to it, Alexandra knows she'll be able to get to the bottom of things soon enough. She just has to dig a little deeper in order to find what she's looking. Granted, things aren't as easy as they sound, but she's willing to give things all she's got. With her trusty sidekick by her side, anything is possible. They just have to stay alive long enough to make sure that the necklace is finally returned to its proper place.
Action packed from the get-go, the Ruby Heart is a story that will pull you in, and keep you focused on the mystery surrounding Doris Hargrave's missing pendant. Cristelle has laid out a beautiful foundation for what promises to be a great series. The end has a little bit of a cliffhanger, but I think the way she ended things leaves a lot to the imagination. I can't wait to see what happens next for both Alexandra and Egan.
Until the moment a new case lands on her lap, that is. Only then, does everything change. Alongside Egan, her partner, Alexandra has been tasked to discover the mystery of the ruby heart. The pendant has supposedly been in Doris Hargrave's family for as long as she can remember, but the necklace has gone missing yet again.
While she might not have a clue as to what's happened to it, Alexandra knows she'll be able to get to the bottom of things soon enough. She just has to dig a little deeper in order to find what she's looking. Granted, things aren't as easy as they sound, but she's willing to give things all she's got. With her trusty sidekick by her side, anything is possible. They just have to stay alive long enough to make sure that the necklace is finally returned to its proper place.
Action packed from the get-go, the Ruby Heart is a story that will pull you in, and keep you focused on the mystery surrounding Doris Hargrave's missing pendant. Cristelle has laid out a beautiful foundation for what promises to be a great series. The end has a little bit of a cliffhanger, but I think the way she ended things leaves a lot to the imagination. I can't wait to see what happens next for both Alexandra and Egan.
December 30, 2013
Alexandra Neve (Lexa) and Ashford Egan are the main characters in this mystery. Ruby Heart is the second book in the Neve and Egan series, the first being Russian Dolls. Lexa and Ashford are private investigators and their next case has been presented to them by an elderly, frail woman, Doris Hargrave. She hires them to find the Ruby Heart necklace. This necklace had been lost during WWII in the Nazi occupation and the necklace has recently turned up and returned to Doris but was stolen out of the safe in Doris's apartment. Doris is very ill and wants the PI's to find the necklace soon so she can have her granddaughter wear it at her wedding. She thinks it brings a happy marriage to the wearer.
It is an almost impossible task for Lexa and Egan to find this necklace as they need to trace it all the way back to 1943-44. The Nazi's had confiscated all the jewelry and art belonging to the Jews and this particular necklace had been found in an old abandoned house. Things become a bit hairy when Lexa's home is broken into and some microfilm that she had of newspapers from the dates that she is researching. The case now becomes a bit dangerous for Lexa, her mother and Egan.
This is a fast paced mystery that may prove to be deadly for the duo as they try to find the necklace for the old woman who does not have long to live. It can be called a cozy mystery I think but it will also appear to the hard core mystery lovers out there. I look forward to reading the next in the series,Danse Macabre, available in 2014.
It is an almost impossible task for Lexa and Egan to find this necklace as they need to trace it all the way back to 1943-44. The Nazi's had confiscated all the jewelry and art belonging to the Jews and this particular necklace had been found in an old abandoned house. Things become a bit hairy when Lexa's home is broken into and some microfilm that she had of newspapers from the dates that she is researching. The case now becomes a bit dangerous for Lexa, her mother and Egan.
This is a fast paced mystery that may prove to be deadly for the duo as they try to find the necklace for the old woman who does not have long to live. It can be called a cozy mystery I think but it will also appear to the hard core mystery lovers out there. I look forward to reading the next in the series,Danse Macabre, available in 2014.
December 18, 2013
Alexandra Neve and Ashford Egan are private detectives who have been hired by Doris Hargrave to find her family’s antique ruby heart necklace. Mrs. Hargrave’s family lost the necklace during WWII the first time and it was recovered by the Italian police years later, only to be stolen again recently. Mrs. Hargrave wanted the necklace back for her granddaughter’s wedding and as she is so sick, she wants to see it once more before she passes on. When they start digging into the past, Lexa gets threatening notes, her flat broken into, and it doesn’t help anything that Egan is getting pressure from the university to choose between his teaching job and the private investigation business. The heat is on, but Lexa and Egan have no intention of giving up so easily. ‘Ruby Heart’ is the second of The Neve & Egan Cases series, but I didn’t feel lost at all for not having read the first book. ‘Ruby Heart’ stands very well on its own, with an interesting cast of characters and a very intriguing mystery. The investigation took readers back to a horrific period of time, World War II, because in order to find the current thief Lexa and Egan had to uncover the past thief. The past and current mysteries blended seamlessly and there wasn’t a dull moment. I definitely recommend ‘Ruby Heart’ and I’m going to be picking up the first book, ‘Russian Dolls’.
December 7, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is book two of The Neve and Egan Cases. Alexandra Neve and Ashland Egan are at it again in this action filled mystery. Doris Hargrave seeks out Neve and Egan to assist her in finding a beautiful ruby heart pendant, a family heirloom and the only item she has of her parents both of whom were murdered in the Holocaust. This is a particularly bizarre case as this is the second time it has been stolen. Ms. Hargrave is desperate to have it back before she passes away or her granddaughter gets married. Time is running out and Alexandra inadvertently puts her mom and Egan in harm’s way. Will they be able to unravel this mystery? Will Alexandra be able to keep everyone she holds dear safe?
This was a hard book to put down. Every page was filled with so much intrigue that you had to find out what happened next. You will easily connect with the main character, Alexandra Neve, as she strives to protect her friend Ashland and her mother. I couldn’t help but enjoy the story and the historical background of the Holocaust as well. This was a great mystery, a wonderful book to snuggle up under a blanket on a cold evening to read.
This was a hard book to put down. Every page was filled with so much intrigue that you had to find out what happened next. You will easily connect with the main character, Alexandra Neve, as she strives to protect her friend Ashland and her mother. I couldn’t help but enjoy the story and the historical background of the Holocaust as well. This was a great mystery, a wonderful book to snuggle up under a blanket on a cold evening to read.
November 28, 2013
This is the second book in The Neve & Egan cases. The first one is called Russian Dolls. This book can be read as a stand alone book though.
Alexandra and her partner Ashford Egan take on a case of finding a missing ruby heart pendant. It has been stolen before and is more than just a necklace.
There is a lot of history involved with Holocaust and a World War II-era love affair.
Alexandra and Egan find themselves caught up in things they have no business getting themselves into. They are always getting themselves into messy situations.
Alexandra and her partner Ashford Egan take on a case of finding a missing ruby heart pendant. It has been stolen before and is more than just a necklace.
There is a lot of history involved with Holocaust and a World War II-era love affair.
Alexandra and Egan find themselves caught up in things they have no business getting themselves into. They are always getting themselves into messy situations.
January 2, 2014
A tough girl and a Mr. Nice guy team up in this mystery series that includes some history on WW2 and art. There are a couple action segments that add an element of danger.
I fell in love with this private investigation duo. Their interaction and respect for each other is a nice draw to continue to follow them. Also, the fact that one of the PI's is blind presents an extra challenge while on cases which puts an interesting twist on things. Actually, all the main characters are likable in a comfy way.
I fell in love with this private investigation duo. Their interaction and respect for each other is a nice draw to continue to follow them. Also, the fact that one of the PI's is blind presents an extra challenge while on cases which puts an interesting twist on things. Actually, all the main characters are likable in a comfy way.
October 30, 2013
Got this as a free download and found it very readable. More cozy than otherwise but with an interesting link back to WWII Nazi confiscation of Jewish artwork/jewelery. Characters quite well developed, plot fairly predictable but entire storyline was entertaining.
December 1, 2014
Excellent book. Excellent author!
December 6, 2018
Alexandra Neve is approached by an elderly lady who is in the last days of her life. she wants to hire Neve & Egan to recover a ruby pendant that was stolen from her after she had just got it back after a 60 year hiatus of when it was first stolen from her family during the holocost.
The only options they have is to start back with the original theft, searching through ancient archives of WWI records for clues that will prove to put the investigative duo in danger once again.
This is another great story will well defined characters, and a solid plot.
The only options they have is to start back with the original theft, searching through ancient archives of WWI records for clues that will prove to put the investigative duo in danger once again.
This is another great story will well defined characters, and a solid plot.
November 22, 2019
Neve and Egan get to solve a very interesting case. Not just to return a stolen necklace. But a necklace who was stolen for the second time. The first time being during WWII by the nazi's. It is Lexa's and Ash's job to find out what happened in 1943 and in the present. And give an old Jewish woman her heritage back.
We also learn some more about the past of the two main characters. Get to know them a little better.
And again the Sorter intervenes...
Good story!
We also learn some more about the past of the two main characters. Get to know them a little better.
And again the Sorter intervenes...
Good story!
March 17, 2019
Part of Neve and Egan collection I read. Neve and Egan have opened their own PI agency and are hired to locate a missing ruby pendant. It was missing since WWII, but was returned briefly to the rightful owners but was stolen and the matriarch of the family, who is dying wants it returned for her granddaughter’s wedding. Again the Sorter rears his ugly head.
December 15, 2019
Awesome, but my opinion might be biased :)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews