What do you think?
Rate this book
Val Cameron #2
A Killer's Guide to Good Works
When Senior Editor Val Cameron's best friend, a curator, returns to Manhattan from an abbey in England, she invites Val to see a priceless relic that has mysteriously found its way into her carry-on. But by the time Val arrives at the museum, her friend has been murdered - and the relic is gone. Val soon learns that a young monk at the abbey has also been murdered. Is there a single killer at work? What dark purpose is attached to the relic that has led to two murders? Now she has to unmask a killer who stops at nothing to fulfill an ambitious plan - and Val Cameron is just the latest person to stand in the way.
252 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2023
5 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 13, 2016
This was an easy, entertaining read. It is book 2 in the Val Cameron series, but it would work ok as a stand alone. I have read book 1 in the series, and the plot does not depend on book 1.
Val is a book editor in New York city. She has a close friend, Adrian Bale, who works at the Coleman-Witt museum. Adrian calls her about an exiting find--a relic-- and asks her to come to the museum early in the morning. When Val gets there, she finds an ambulance and police. Adrian has been murdered.
Adrian's brother Anthony, a monk back in England, is notified. There has been a suspicious death of a young monk just a day before. Adrian and Val soon realize that the two deaths are connected.
Unraveling the mystery leads them to a sinister killer working for a man with a messianic view of the world. One of the elements is a 400 hundred year old manuscript. There are some delightful characters, including Val's Aunt and a precocious 13 year old girl.
There is a little romance that would appeal to romantic mystery fans.
Some quotes:
"On some level it was the kind of face that could turn up just fine in a tangle of sheets the next morning."
"Dear Trip Journal, it was the best sex I've never had."
This a cozy mystery--not too much sex or violence.
I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Val is a book editor in New York city. She has a close friend, Adrian Bale, who works at the Coleman-Witt museum. Adrian calls her about an exiting find--a relic-- and asks her to come to the museum early in the morning. When Val gets there, she finds an ambulance and police. Adrian has been murdered.
Adrian's brother Anthony, a monk back in England, is notified. There has been a suspicious death of a young monk just a day before. Adrian and Val soon realize that the two deaths are connected.
Unraveling the mystery leads them to a sinister killer working for a man with a messianic view of the world. One of the elements is a 400 hundred year old manuscript. There are some delightful characters, including Val's Aunt and a precocious 13 year old girl.
There is a little romance that would appeal to romantic mystery fans.
Some quotes:
"On some level it was the kind of face that could turn up just fine in a tangle of sheets the next morning."
"Dear Trip Journal, it was the best sex I've never had."
This a cozy mystery--not too much sex or violence.
I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
September 23, 2020
Equal parts of The Da Vinci Code and chick-lit cozy, A Killer’s Guide to Good Works, the second in Shelly Costa’s Val Cameron series, annoyed me to start. The premise that makes Dan Brown’s monster hit so silly — a rogue Catholic secret society murders in order to protect secret religious knowledge — doesn’t sound less silly here.
That’s no spoiler. Costa introduces the motive in the first few pages of her book. But despite my reservations, the book grew on me, although I didn’t like it as much as I did Costa’s Practical Sins for Cold Climates, which first introduces Valjean “Val” Cameron, a senior editor at a boutique publishing house. Despite the dubious premise, Costa gradually drew me in with her clever pacing and colorful characters. A few twists in the end elevated A Killer’s Guide to Good Works to a well-deserved four stars.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.
That’s no spoiler. Costa introduces the motive in the first few pages of her book. But despite my reservations, the book grew on me, although I didn’t like it as much as I did Costa’s Practical Sins for Cold Climates, which first introduces Valjean “Val” Cameron, a senior editor at a boutique publishing house. Despite the dubious premise, Costa gradually drew me in with her clever pacing and colorful characters. A few twists in the end elevated A Killer’s Guide to Good Works to a well-deserved four stars.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2016
This book started out very promising but unfortunately I lost the story several times. There are a lot of people in it and they do not always behave like you thought they would. There is an old manuscript, a priest - several of them - a missing crown of thorns and a secret society led by a dying man.
All in all I managed to finish the book but in the end, it was too much Dan Brown for me (I never liked Brown) and not enough of a real interesting story.
All in all I managed to finish the book but in the end, it was too much Dan Brown for me (I never liked Brown) and not enough of a real interesting story.
February 26, 2017
Honestly, by the time I got around to trying to write a review of this (which would be just now), I had to stop for a minute. I couldn't remember a thing. It all came back after a second; there was the instant I thought "I only gave this three stars?", followed closely by the one in which I thought "Oh, right. Yes. Three."
It had its moments. I liked the main character, Valjean Cameron. I liked her friend Adrian (despite the fact that I kept confusing her with her brother Anthony; "Adrian" is usually the masculine spelling) and her aunt Greta, and the sharp young girl she encounters in pursuing answers. I wasn't as enamored with Anthony Bale, perhaps because my entire Catholic background rose up in protest of his choice of lifestyle and choice of cover story.
That was actually a major drawback to the book for me. I found it repulsive that a man who might at any time be called upon to perform acts upon which any church would frown, and who apparently has (or has had) a string of bed-warmers, who openly states his agnosticism (if not atheism) – that such a man would think it was just fine to put on the robe of even a lay brother and pretend to be a man trying to be … good. I would think the hypocrisy would be hard for an intelligent man to live with, but apparently in this case it is not. It was, however, hard to read about, and I was completely unwilling to accept Bale as Val's new love interest.
There are all kinds of comparisons to Dan Brown's exercises in earnest silliness, to the point that I'm a little shocked I would request this. And, while it's better written to a degree that is so large as to be almost immeasurable, there is an awful lot of common ground between That Book Which Shall Remain Nameless and this one. A secret Catholic society looking to change the world is just as silly when I like the main character and don't cringe at most of the writing as when I want to shoot the main character in the face and most of the writing makes me whimper softly.
(It may be the fault of the ARC, but there were a handful of times when the writing did make me whimper, just a little – "Turning to face Bale, her sweater tugged across her breast", for example. Maybe these things will be fixed.)
Also … why, exactly, does a member of a secret society (let me repeat: SECRET) get a tattoo of said society's symbol above his collarbone? Not inside his elbow, or under one breast, or on the back of his knee or someplace else most people would never see it – nope: in a place where it would often show above his neckline.
So – it's better than That Other Book – but that's not a difficult achievement, after all. It falls somewhere in between it and The Eight – on the lower end of the scale, unfortunately. Disappointing.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
It had its moments. I liked the main character, Valjean Cameron. I liked her friend Adrian (despite the fact that I kept confusing her with her brother Anthony; "Adrian" is usually the masculine spelling) and her aunt Greta, and the sharp young girl she encounters in pursuing answers. I wasn't as enamored with Anthony Bale, perhaps because my entire Catholic background rose up in protest of his choice of lifestyle and choice of cover story.
That was actually a major drawback to the book for me. I found it repulsive that a man who might at any time be called upon to perform acts upon which any church would frown, and who apparently has (or has had) a string of bed-warmers, who openly states his agnosticism (if not atheism) – that such a man would think it was just fine to put on the robe of even a lay brother and pretend to be a man trying to be … good. I would think the hypocrisy would be hard for an intelligent man to live with, but apparently in this case it is not. It was, however, hard to read about, and I was completely unwilling to accept Bale as Val's new love interest.
There are all kinds of comparisons to Dan Brown's exercises in earnest silliness, to the point that I'm a little shocked I would request this. And, while it's better written to a degree that is so large as to be almost immeasurable, there is an awful lot of common ground between That Book Which Shall Remain Nameless and this one. A secret Catholic society looking to change the world is just as silly when I like the main character and don't cringe at most of the writing as when I want to shoot the main character in the face and most of the writing makes me whimper softly.
(It may be the fault of the ARC, but there were a handful of times when the writing did make me whimper, just a little – "Turning to face Bale, her sweater tugged across her breast", for example. Maybe these things will be fixed.)
Also … why, exactly, does a member of a secret society (let me repeat: SECRET) get a tattoo of said society's symbol above his collarbone? Not inside his elbow, or under one breast, or on the back of his knee or someplace else most people would never see it – nope: in a place where it would often show above his neckline.
So – it's better than That Other Book – but that's not a difficult achievement, after all. It falls somewhere in between it and The Eight – on the lower end of the scale, unfortunately. Disappointing.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
September 12, 2016
The theft of ancient relic from Monastery in Norfolk, England stretches to New York City and Val Cameron. Val BFF, Adrian is MURDER shortly after returning from a visit to her brother, Dale, a monk in Norfolk. Adrian called Val and invited her to see the best species of a plant. The investigation will take Vale and Dale on a journey through the art world before a surprising answer. I thought the plot creative and innovative. The format is not a favorite one as I find it difficult to follow the story when told through several individuals. Often there were unnecessary words and descriptions that added nothing to the story.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Read
November 17, 2016“In her second adventure (after Practical Sins for Cold Climates), feisty, intrepid Val balances her publishing and sleuthing lives with verve. Dan Brown fans will enjoy this puzzler.” – Library Journal
July 13, 2016
I struggled a little with why I did not like the second book in the Val Cameron Mystery Series as much as I liked the first. Lest you dismiss this book out of hand, please hear me out. At no point did I entertain the idea of not finishing the book. I wanted to watch the main character, Val Cameron, discover who murdered her best friend Adrian. I could, however, put this book aside temporarily without regret--not a good sign.
A lot of A Killer’s Guide to Good Works seems forced (as does the title); I can see the author’s hand too much. I was put off by Shelley Costa’s too frequent usage of unfamiliar words or phrases, some of which are not used to best advantage. For example, the main character feels a “little frisson” three times in the course of the book. My distaste for the author’s application of her obviously extensive vocabulary is ironic because I love learning new words. Her manipulation of the characters within her plot structure are also too obvious.
I particularly enjoyed the character Tali, a young, orthodox Jewish teenage girl of independent and perceptive mind. Although her role is minor, she adds spice and a little humor. There is also a character who is a Jewish professor. In sections involving these characters, there are a number of Hebrew words. These references added interest for me and their usage seemed natural.
The weakest part of this plot is the cult that is the center of the mystery. The fifty handpicked, highly educated followers are known as the High Council. They seem unaware of the cult doctrine which, besides the basic principle, is never actually expanded on for the reader either. I find that an unbelievable scenario. Costa presented no persuasive information to convince me that these people would follow their leader Animus, the “soul of their secret organization,” without questioning the soundness of his unorthodox and esoteric philosophy.
There are definitely gaps in this story for the reader to complete. On the other hand, there are some interesting characters and good twists to the mystery. One of the perks of A Killer’s Guide to Good Works is the further development of Val Cameron’s persona and the introduction of Greta, the aunt who raised her. I liked the first book in the series well enough to give the author the benefit of the doubt and read a third before making a judgement about the series.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
A lot of A Killer’s Guide to Good Works seems forced (as does the title); I can see the author’s hand too much. I was put off by Shelley Costa’s too frequent usage of unfamiliar words or phrases, some of which are not used to best advantage. For example, the main character feels a “little frisson” three times in the course of the book. My distaste for the author’s application of her obviously extensive vocabulary is ironic because I love learning new words. Her manipulation of the characters within her plot structure are also too obvious.
I particularly enjoyed the character Tali, a young, orthodox Jewish teenage girl of independent and perceptive mind. Although her role is minor, she adds spice and a little humor. There is also a character who is a Jewish professor. In sections involving these characters, there are a number of Hebrew words. These references added interest for me and their usage seemed natural.
The weakest part of this plot is the cult that is the center of the mystery. The fifty handpicked, highly educated followers are known as the High Council. They seem unaware of the cult doctrine which, besides the basic principle, is never actually expanded on for the reader either. I find that an unbelievable scenario. Costa presented no persuasive information to convince me that these people would follow their leader Animus, the “soul of their secret organization,” without questioning the soundness of his unorthodox and esoteric philosophy.
There are definitely gaps in this story for the reader to complete. On the other hand, there are some interesting characters and good twists to the mystery. One of the perks of A Killer’s Guide to Good Works is the further development of Val Cameron’s persona and the introduction of Greta, the aunt who raised her. I liked the first book in the series well enough to give the author the benefit of the doubt and read a third before making a judgement about the series.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 19, 2016
[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
"Not everything gets wrapped kindly and wheeled away. Are we all just lost and beautiful things? Who had her friend surprised that morning at the museum? In the act of… what, exactly?"
As this second book in the series opens, ValJean Cameron, still at the Fir Na Tin publishing house, now rechristened Words on Fire by corporate, trying to keep her head above water as the publishing house rebrands itself. Ivy League Ivy is still her assistant, and Val is stuck trying to save a book draft that her old boss felt was worth publishing,
And then the unbelievable happens. Her best friend Adrian Blake is killed. Val trusts so few people, and to lose Adrian thrusts her into grief that makes no sense and Ade's brother Anthony, a lay Carmelite. That, along with a missing urn and a plant(?). Was she killed because of a plant? What seems at first to be a random act opens century old religious puzzles that force both Val and Blake into a type of "Da Vinci Code" world of Aramaic satire and historical Inquisitions. I particularly like Val's aunt Greta, who raised her, and her new acquaintance Tali, an orthodox Jewish teenager who has special insights that help Val and Blake.
Again, this isn't the usual Henery Press fare. Far from cozy, this mystery stretches back to the 16th century and is very involved in Inquisition speculation,Catholic Church canon and law. I like Shelly Costa's work because I'm a theologian myself with concentrations in church history. All that said, this is kind of like Dan Brown without the gore. And in this case, that's a real good thing.
"Not everything gets wrapped kindly and wheeled away. Are we all just lost and beautiful things? Who had her friend surprised that morning at the museum? In the act of… what, exactly?"
As this second book in the series opens, ValJean Cameron, still at the Fir Na Tin publishing house, now rechristened Words on Fire by corporate, trying to keep her head above water as the publishing house rebrands itself. Ivy League Ivy is still her assistant, and Val is stuck trying to save a book draft that her old boss felt was worth publishing,
And then the unbelievable happens. Her best friend Adrian Blake is killed. Val trusts so few people, and to lose Adrian thrusts her into grief that makes no sense and Ade's brother Anthony, a lay Carmelite. That, along with a missing urn and a plant(?). Was she killed because of a plant? What seems at first to be a random act opens century old religious puzzles that force both Val and Blake into a type of "Da Vinci Code" world of Aramaic satire and historical Inquisitions. I particularly like Val's aunt Greta, who raised her, and her new acquaintance Tali, an orthodox Jewish teenager who has special insights that help Val and Blake.
Again, this isn't the usual Henery Press fare. Far from cozy, this mystery stretches back to the 16th century and is very involved in Inquisition speculation,Catholic Church canon and law. I like Shelly Costa's work because I'm a theologian myself with concentrations in church history. All that said, this is kind of like Dan Brown without the gore. And in this case, that's a real good thing.
August 16, 2016
Shelley Costa is a writer to remember. Her dazzlingly dark humor and her ability to spin a tight original story that builds irresistibly caught my eye with her first Val Cameron mystery, Practical Sins for Cold Climates. I began checking in with Henery Press regularly when I logged onto Net Galley, and my stalking paid off big time. Thanks go to Henery and also to Net Galley, from whom I received a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
In this second Val Cameron mystery, our protagonist is back in the big city where she belongs. She is looking forward to lunch with her best friend Adrian, who promises to show her something rare and wonderful, but when she reaches Adrian’s office, her friend has been murdered and the artifact is gone. Val’s loss is our gain, as Costa unfurls another outstanding mystery. This title is available to the public September 20, 2016.
Adrian had been looking forward to having her brother visit, and she had wanted Val to meet him. The brother, a monk on vacation from his usual life in an abbey, is the other primary character in this story. Val had already let Adrian know that she didn’t care for religion, for churches, for clergy…and she was absolutely not, positively not going to meet Adrian’s brother. No, no, and no.
That’s not how it works out.
Costa is a smart writer and she never wastes a word. The humor here is undoubtedly dark for the cozy mystery set, and so the reviews that are written by the cozy folk don’t reflect her writing ability. Those that want a house pet or caterer to solve a mystery will be disappointed every time they read Costa. To my way of thinking, that’s more a matter of the wrong target audience than a reflection on Costa, who is razor sharp and wickedly hilarious.
Highly recommended.
In this second Val Cameron mystery, our protagonist is back in the big city where she belongs. She is looking forward to lunch with her best friend Adrian, who promises to show her something rare and wonderful, but when she reaches Adrian’s office, her friend has been murdered and the artifact is gone. Val’s loss is our gain, as Costa unfurls another outstanding mystery. This title is available to the public September 20, 2016.
Adrian had been looking forward to having her brother visit, and she had wanted Val to meet him. The brother, a monk on vacation from his usual life in an abbey, is the other primary character in this story. Val had already let Adrian know that she didn’t care for religion, for churches, for clergy…and she was absolutely not, positively not going to meet Adrian’s brother. No, no, and no.
That’s not how it works out.
Costa is a smart writer and she never wastes a word. The humor here is undoubtedly dark for the cozy mystery set, and so the reviews that are written by the cozy folk don’t reflect her writing ability. Those that want a house pet or caterer to solve a mystery will be disappointed every time they read Costa. To my way of thinking, that’s more a matter of the wrong target audience than a reflection on Costa, who is razor sharp and wickedly hilarious.
Highly recommended.
September 8, 2016
A Killers Guide to Good Works is the second book in the Val Cameron Mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.
The plot was very good; fast paced and detailed. Shelley Costa is an accomplished author and at times writes so beautifully that I would read a section, stop, exhale and relive her words. After reading the prologue I found myself grinning and rubbing my hands together at the thought that I had a whole book of her writing before me.
So if I enjoyed the book so much why did I only rate it as four stars? Because it read like a first book. None of the secondary characters from the first book were in this one. Val's love interest has flown off into the sunset and only rates a couple of sentences. It was disconcerting. I hope this isn't one of those series where the main character has a new man in each book. I enjoy watching characters' relationships grow over time.
I enjoyed A Killers Guide to Good Works and look forward to reading future books in the series.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
The plot was very good; fast paced and detailed. Shelley Costa is an accomplished author and at times writes so beautifully that I would read a section, stop, exhale and relive her words. After reading the prologue I found myself grinning and rubbing my hands together at the thought that I had a whole book of her writing before me.
So if I enjoyed the book so much why did I only rate it as four stars? Because it read like a first book. None of the secondary characters from the first book were in this one. Val's love interest has flown off into the sunset and only rates a couple of sentences. It was disconcerting. I hope this isn't one of those series where the main character has a new man in each book. I enjoy watching characters' relationships grow over time.
I enjoyed A Killers Guide to Good Works and look forward to reading future books in the series.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
March 23, 2018
A Killer's Guide to Good Works is a fascinating tale that crosses oceans. With a prologue that starts in Veracruz, 1595, the story quickly moves to New York City in the present time. Val's longtime friend, Adrian calls from Heathrow airport to say she is coming home and the story soon catapults into murder, mystery and missing sacred relics of great antiquity. Adrian's murder and the call she made to Val minutes prior to the murder are confusing and dismaying. Nothing seems to make sense to Val. The arrival of Adrian's brother, a Carmelite monk, adds to the tale in a very interesting way.
I forgot housework, projects and chores that needed my attention and settled into this story for the rest of the day.. The quick pace and "what if?" thoughts kept me turning pages and formulating solutions. I knew there was something quirky about a particular character, but I never expected the final outcome. Ms. Costa has written a very intriguing book about (as she states in the acknowledgements) "how far people will go to possess what more properly belongs to all."
I may have to read this book again - and that is HIGH Praise!
I forgot housework, projects and chores that needed my attention and settled into this story for the rest of the day.. The quick pace and "what if?" thoughts kept me turning pages and formulating solutions. I knew there was something quirky about a particular character, but I never expected the final outcome. Ms. Costa has written a very intriguing book about (as she states in the acknowledgements) "how far people will go to possess what more properly belongs to all."
I may have to read this book again - and that is HIGH Praise!
November 11, 2016
After the murder of her best friend, Val is throw into a mystery.....or three. First, who killed Adrian and why? Second, why would someone forge a satire of a Christian document and where is the original? Third, who killed a young boy at the monastery and what did he know?
With the help of her Aunt Greta and Adrian's brother Antony, they work to solve these mysteries. Val is smart, funny, and down to earth. Very likable as a lead character. All players in the tale are well developed and come to life on the pages.
Shelley Costa is and excellent writer. The story is well thought out and executed. There were a few typos in my version, but since it was an advanced copy that is expected. But that is the only reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5.
I didn't read the first in this series, but I intend to. I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
With the help of her Aunt Greta and Adrian's brother Antony, they work to solve these mysteries. Val is smart, funny, and down to earth. Very likable as a lead character. All players in the tale are well developed and come to life on the pages.
Shelley Costa is and excellent writer. The story is well thought out and executed. There were a few typos in my version, but since it was an advanced copy that is expected. But that is the only reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5.
I didn't read the first in this series, but I intend to. I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
October 24, 2018
The second Val Cameron mystery - I hope there will be more, but as this one starts with the murder of her best friend, perhaps it's the last. Val is devastated by the loss of Adrian, and her grief feels very real, even while she is being her usual snarky observer and trying to work out who did it and why. The plot was somewhat far-fetched in places (e.g. how was Fintan recruited by the mysterious organisation?), but still entertaining. The quality of Shelley Costa's writing and characterisation makes up for the flaws in plotting
April 11, 2018
A wonderful murder mystery that involves the search for missing relics, a millennia old secret and love.
Read this one in long sittings and you’ll fall into the magic of this tale. Best of all, the ending confirms there will be a third book in the series.
Watch the Ohioana Library Quarterly for
a longer review: http://www.ohioana.org
Read this one in long sittings and you’ll fall into the magic of this tale. Best of all, the ending confirms there will be a third book in the series.
Watch the Ohioana Library Quarterly for
a longer review: http://www.ohioana.org
February 20, 2017
This was an enjoyable book to read. It took me a while to get into the book, and feel the characters and the mystery. I think there is an increase in books which have some connection to the Church. There is some sort of mystical aura associated mysteries that involve the Church or some element of the Church, be it an artifact or some fable. That is the premise of this book.
In a way, that made this book interesting, and also was the downfall for this book. The whole mystery in question was interesting and yet lacked the necessary mind chow to make it absorbing. I found that the only issue with the book was the fact that the core organization, the problem, the reason why the murder happened was not elaborated. Granted, I was very curious while the mystery unravelled. I wanted to know who killed Adrian, and why. But somehow, page after page went by without me getting some sort of a satisfactory response. And I wondered whether that was because I didn't know too much about the history or about the objects involved. But that was not the case. It wasn't me, it was the book. There was so little revealed about the backstory, and so much about finding the killer, that that element remained incomplete.
When I read the end, I didn't understand anything at all. Why?! Why did the book end so? What's the meaning of the whole book? I ended the book feeling uneasy that I'd just spent time reading a book only to not know why anything happened in the book in the first place. Having so many details but a weak premise is the let down of this book and that's what made me dock the 2 stars.
I really love mysteries and thrillers but this one was a let down in the end.
In a way, that made this book interesting, and also was the downfall for this book. The whole mystery in question was interesting and yet lacked the necessary mind chow to make it absorbing. I found that the only issue with the book was the fact that the core organization, the problem, the reason why the murder happened was not elaborated. Granted, I was very curious while the mystery unravelled. I wanted to know who killed Adrian, and why. But somehow, page after page went by without me getting some sort of a satisfactory response. And I wondered whether that was because I didn't know too much about the history or about the objects involved. But that was not the case. It wasn't me, it was the book. There was so little revealed about the backstory, and so much about finding the killer, that that element remained incomplete.
When I read the end, I didn't understand anything at all. Why?! Why did the book end so? What's the meaning of the whole book? I ended the book feeling uneasy that I'd just spent time reading a book only to not know why anything happened in the book in the first place. Having so many details but a weak premise is the let down of this book and that's what made me dock the 2 stars.
I really love mysteries and thrillers but this one was a let down in the end.
August 30, 2016
Val Cameron, New York book editor, receives a call one morning from her best friend Adrian Bale, saying she has something exciting to show Val - something she inadvertently picked up on a recent visit to England. But when Val is able to make it over to Adrian's place of work, she finds the area taped off by the police. It isn't long before she discovers that Adrian is dead, shot shortly after making her call to Val. Stunned, she can't figure out who would want to kill Adrian and why.
Soon Adrian's brother Antony arrives in the United States, and Val is reluctant to meet with him. Antony is a monk who lives in England, and Val's not particularly religious, so she's been able to avoid meeting him so far, but no more. She is, however, surprised to find he's nothing at all like what she thought he might be, and finds herself spending time with him, not only because of Adrian, but because there's been another murder in England, one that could possibly be connected to Adrian's 'stowaway.'
Val's also dealing with a new writer, James Killian, who has a handsome face and charming style, but has a book she'd rather not publish; however, this too is an unavoidable situation, and although physically drawn to him, she manages to keep her feelings in check.
Then there's her Aunt Greta, who works for the Artifact Authentication Agency, and has asked her help with an ancient artifact, and it's not long before Val begins to suspect that the situations she's been thrust into are all connected in some way, and the killer might just have her as the next target...
While for the most part I enjoyed reading the book, I have mixed feelings about it. This is the second book in the series (the first being Practical Sins for Cold Climates). None of the characters - except Val (and Ivy) - are carried over into this book, which seemed odd. This means that if you've invested any time in getting to know and/or like any of the characters from book one, you're out of luck. For my part, I believe that in a series there should be more than one person carried from one book to the next, or it becomes "The Adventures of..."
I also thought there was just too much unnecessary detail. There was so much written about the satire, the crown, etc., for so many pages it just got tedious and slogged down the book. (It's like reading a Dan Brown book - if you like his works, you will probably like this). Yet we never learn much about the cult or the high council, or given any reasons as to why anyone would be drawn into it. I wasn't really drawn to Greta; in fact, there was nothing to be drawn to. She didn't have much of a personality and there wasn't anything about her that would make me want to spend time with her. I did, however, enjoy the character of Tali, who was wise beyond her years.
Any of this notwithstanding, the book was well-written with the plot quite nicely thought out, giving the reader a story that combines fact with fiction, and the choice to believe if anything they have read has the possibility of being the truth. I usually follow the rule of three, wherein I will read three books in a series before passing judgment, so hopefully the next one will make it all come together. Recommended.
Soon Adrian's brother Antony arrives in the United States, and Val is reluctant to meet with him. Antony is a monk who lives in England, and Val's not particularly religious, so she's been able to avoid meeting him so far, but no more. She is, however, surprised to find he's nothing at all like what she thought he might be, and finds herself spending time with him, not only because of Adrian, but because there's been another murder in England, one that could possibly be connected to Adrian's 'stowaway.'
Val's also dealing with a new writer, James Killian, who has a handsome face and charming style, but has a book she'd rather not publish; however, this too is an unavoidable situation, and although physically drawn to him, she manages to keep her feelings in check.
Then there's her Aunt Greta, who works for the Artifact Authentication Agency, and has asked her help with an ancient artifact, and it's not long before Val begins to suspect that the situations she's been thrust into are all connected in some way, and the killer might just have her as the next target...
While for the most part I enjoyed reading the book, I have mixed feelings about it. This is the second book in the series (the first being Practical Sins for Cold Climates). None of the characters - except Val (and Ivy) - are carried over into this book, which seemed odd. This means that if you've invested any time in getting to know and/or like any of the characters from book one, you're out of luck. For my part, I believe that in a series there should be more than one person carried from one book to the next, or it becomes "The Adventures of..."
I also thought there was just too much unnecessary detail. There was so much written about the satire, the crown, etc., for so many pages it just got tedious and slogged down the book. (It's like reading a Dan Brown book - if you like his works, you will probably like this). Yet we never learn much about the cult or the high council, or given any reasons as to why anyone would be drawn into it. I wasn't really drawn to Greta; in fact, there was nothing to be drawn to. She didn't have much of a personality and there wasn't anything about her that would make me want to spend time with her. I did, however, enjoy the character of Tali, who was wise beyond her years.
Any of this notwithstanding, the book was well-written with the plot quite nicely thought out, giving the reader a story that combines fact with fiction, and the choice to believe if anything they have read has the possibility of being the truth. I usually follow the rule of three, wherein I will read three books in a series before passing judgment, so hopefully the next one will make it all come together. Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2016
I had not read the first book in this series, but A Killer’s Guide to Good Works is definitely a stand- alone book, requiring no reading of the other book in the series. In this book, Val, an editor at a publishing house, gets a call from her oldest and best friend, Adrian Bale, to come over to her office immediately to see something unusual that she has brought back from her just-returned trip to England. Val hurries over to her friend’s office, but arrives only to find Adrian just murdered. Through her grief, Adrian teams up with her Adrian’s brother, Anthony, a monk who lives in England, to get to the bottom of Adrian’s murder. Val has never been or wanted to be close or spent any time with Anthony, mostly because he is religious figure. Val, who is not very religious and does not want to become so, feels too uncomfortable with people such as Anthony. However, as the story progresses, Val finds Anthony is not at all the type person she expected. The pair finds that Adrian’s death, and that of another young monk in Anthony’s abbey, are related to a small, unknown cult. Behind it all is this strange cult, who were after the duo for what they knew and possibly possessed. To complicate matters, Val has begun representing a new author and his book. Val finds this particular job unappealing. However, even this task ties in nicely with the plot of the story.
The story is interesting enough. However, I found that the author did not really explain the cult, which is central to the story theme/plot, well. I found myself re-reading sections to see if I had missed something about this cult, their beliefs and actions because, to be honest, I was lost a lot of the time. In addition, I did not find the character development of the cult members, in particular, the main ones who played important roles in the story, as well done as they could/should have been or as well done as other leading characters in the story. The ending was a little bit of a surprise to me, mostly because, though there were subtle hints about what was going on, they were very subtle--too much so for me to pick up on them. I enjoyed Val’s character and the neat way she went about searching for a solution to the mystery surrounding her friend’s death. She and Adrian’s bother Anthony complimented each other well—and there was also a hint of chemistry between them as well as the potential for a possible future relationship. I did find it interesting how the author portrayed Anthony, the monk, as I never had read/met anyone who was the type monk Anthony was. I guess I just figured all monks were more or less alike (expect for their different orders with specific rules, missions, etc.). As I said, I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I have others. Because I thought a lot was left out. If a reader enjoys books such as Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code, he/she will probably enjoy this one. However, having said that, since Brown’s book became such a hit, there have been are almost too many books written in this vein, so they may be no longer quite as unique or appealing. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
The story is interesting enough. However, I found that the author did not really explain the cult, which is central to the story theme/plot, well. I found myself re-reading sections to see if I had missed something about this cult, their beliefs and actions because, to be honest, I was lost a lot of the time. In addition, I did not find the character development of the cult members, in particular, the main ones who played important roles in the story, as well done as they could/should have been or as well done as other leading characters in the story. The ending was a little bit of a surprise to me, mostly because, though there were subtle hints about what was going on, they were very subtle--too much so for me to pick up on them. I enjoyed Val’s character and the neat way she went about searching for a solution to the mystery surrounding her friend’s death. She and Adrian’s bother Anthony complimented each other well—and there was also a hint of chemistry between them as well as the potential for a possible future relationship. I did find it interesting how the author portrayed Anthony, the monk, as I never had read/met anyone who was the type monk Anthony was. I guess I just figured all monks were more or less alike (expect for their different orders with specific rules, missions, etc.). As I said, I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I have others. Because I thought a lot was left out. If a reader enjoys books such as Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code, he/she will probably enjoy this one. However, having said that, since Brown’s book became such a hit, there have been are almost too many books written in this vein, so they may be no longer quite as unique or appealing. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
January 15, 2017
Title: A Killer's Guide to Good Works - Val Cameron Mystery Book 2
Author: Shelley Costa
Published: 9-20-2016
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 272
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; British Detectives; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781635110616
ASIN: B01HFH7C7E
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I received a copy of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" From the Publishers:
Senior Editor Val Cameron is back at her desk in New York. When her curator best friend returns from an abbey in England, she invites Val to see a priceless relic that has mysteriously found its way into her carry-on. But by the time Val arrives at the museum, her friend has been murdered—and the relic is gone.
Val soon learns that a young monk at the abbey has also been murdered. Is there a single killer at work? What dark purpose is attached to the relic that’s led to two murders? When Val discovers her apartment has been broken into, her native New York feels like a place she no longer knows. Now she has to unmask a killer who will stops at nothing to fulfill an ambitious plan—and Val Cameron is just the latest person to stand in the way.
Books in the Val Cameron Mystery Series:
PRACTICAL SINS FOR COLD CLIMATES (#1)
A KILLER’S GUIDE TO GOOD WORKS (#2)
My Review of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works":
The three threads of the story keep you always on your toes and as the story progresses your begin to realize they are all connected. Val is a strong, likable character that has a lot of balls to juggle in her life. She manages to keep them in the air, but barely. The plot is well laid out and moves at a quick pace that allows the reader to keep from becoming distracted extraneous blather. A great book where you are transported from the every day to the exciting world of Val Cameron. Trying to keep up with her will make you appreciate the quieter more settled life you are blessed with; but what fun to visit for a few hours.
My rating of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" is 4.5 out of 5 stars. I did not read book 1 in this series, but had no problem reading "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" as a stand alone novel. This is a great mystery to enjoy on its own.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFH7C7E/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kil...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Shelley Costa
Published: 9-20-2016
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 272
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; British Detectives; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9781635110616
ASIN: B01HFH7C7E
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I received a copy of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" From the Publishers:
Senior Editor Val Cameron is back at her desk in New York. When her curator best friend returns from an abbey in England, she invites Val to see a priceless relic that has mysteriously found its way into her carry-on. But by the time Val arrives at the museum, her friend has been murdered—and the relic is gone.
Val soon learns that a young monk at the abbey has also been murdered. Is there a single killer at work? What dark purpose is attached to the relic that’s led to two murders? When Val discovers her apartment has been broken into, her native New York feels like a place she no longer knows. Now she has to unmask a killer who will stops at nothing to fulfill an ambitious plan—and Val Cameron is just the latest person to stand in the way.
Books in the Val Cameron Mystery Series:
PRACTICAL SINS FOR COLD CLIMATES (#1)
A KILLER’S GUIDE TO GOOD WORKS (#2)
My Review of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works":
The three threads of the story keep you always on your toes and as the story progresses your begin to realize they are all connected. Val is a strong, likable character that has a lot of balls to juggle in her life. She manages to keep them in the air, but barely. The plot is well laid out and moves at a quick pace that allows the reader to keep from becoming distracted extraneous blather. A great book where you are transported from the every day to the exciting world of Val Cameron. Trying to keep up with her will make you appreciate the quieter more settled life you are blessed with; but what fun to visit for a few hours.
My rating of "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" is 4.5 out of 5 stars. I did not read book 1 in this series, but had no problem reading "A Killer's Guide to Good Works" as a stand alone novel. This is a great mystery to enjoy on its own.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFH7C7E/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kil...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
August 11, 2016
“Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” Blaise Pascal
So opens A KILLERS GUIDE TO GOOD WORKS by Shelley Costa.
The prologue, dated Veracruz 1595, talks of a satire about the Inquisition written by a Franciscan friar and hidden away to protect both it and himself.
As the main story begins, Val Cameron’s best friend, book editor Adrian Bale, invites her to see a priceless funerary urn that she was bringing back to New York from a visit to see her brother Anthony, a Carmelite monk, in England. Before Val arrives, Adrian has been killed and the urn has disappeared.
A bit of inquiry leads her to learn that a young monk at the abbey where Anthony lives was also murdered. While Val tries to find out why Adrian was killed and if the two murders are related, her apartment in ransacked. She realizes she is also a potential victim. But she has no idea what they think she had that was reason enough to kill.
In addition to the hidden manuscript, the book also highlights an important relic from the time of the death of Jesus. Instead of sharing it with the public, people have kept it hidden in for their own enjoyment over the centuries. The story notes how that was easily done because to safeguard genuine relics, the Essenes “flooded the market with several duplicates of each of the holy relics and sold them to the powerful and wealthy faithful at the dawn of what became the Catholic Church.”
Shelley Costa’s book is well-written and flows smoothly. There are a few references to the first book in the series, PRACTICAL SINS FOR COLD CLIMATES. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as Val’s life continues to change with her new experiences and knowledge.
Interesting ideas to ponder:
“Mostly, in this life, boys get in over their heads with secrets. Either because they can’t keep them, or they keep the wrong ones–or the secrets sadly have something to do with adults.”
“Trust is the only thing in life that shatters completely. And irreparably.”
I received an uncorrected proof from the author.
So opens A KILLERS GUIDE TO GOOD WORKS by Shelley Costa.
The prologue, dated Veracruz 1595, talks of a satire about the Inquisition written by a Franciscan friar and hidden away to protect both it and himself.
As the main story begins, Val Cameron’s best friend, book editor Adrian Bale, invites her to see a priceless funerary urn that she was bringing back to New York from a visit to see her brother Anthony, a Carmelite monk, in England. Before Val arrives, Adrian has been killed and the urn has disappeared.
A bit of inquiry leads her to learn that a young monk at the abbey where Anthony lives was also murdered. While Val tries to find out why Adrian was killed and if the two murders are related, her apartment in ransacked. She realizes she is also a potential victim. But she has no idea what they think she had that was reason enough to kill.
In addition to the hidden manuscript, the book also highlights an important relic from the time of the death of Jesus. Instead of sharing it with the public, people have kept it hidden in for their own enjoyment over the centuries. The story notes how that was easily done because to safeguard genuine relics, the Essenes “flooded the market with several duplicates of each of the holy relics and sold them to the powerful and wealthy faithful at the dawn of what became the Catholic Church.”
Shelley Costa’s book is well-written and flows smoothly. There are a few references to the first book in the series, PRACTICAL SINS FOR COLD CLIMATES. I’m looking forward to reading the next one as Val’s life continues to change with her new experiences and knowledge.
Interesting ideas to ponder:
“Mostly, in this life, boys get in over their heads with secrets. Either because they can’t keep them, or they keep the wrong ones–or the secrets sadly have something to do with adults.”
“Trust is the only thing in life that shatters completely. And irreparably.”
I received an uncorrected proof from the author.
July 17, 2016
16th century writings, a modern day religious cult and present day monastery life blend in a murder that Val's investigation to solve has her in the killer's sights.
Not everything Val Cameron inherited, since her old boss ended up in Canada, is as wonderful as she'd hoped. The pay raise is minimal, Ivy League Ivy her new admin is way too perky and helpful, and author James Killian gives her bad vibes in spite of his smoldering good looks.
When Val's BFF, Adrian Bale, finally gets her wish - that Val would go out for a drink with her brother Antony, it's because Adrian's been murdered and Val is the last person Adrian phoned.
Antony has left the monastery in Norfolk England so he and Val can help NY Police Lieutenant Shay Cleary trace Adrian's last few weeks of travelling.
Val's Aunt Greta of the Artifact Authentication Agency asks for Val's help with an ancient document.
This well written mystery is darker than the previous Val Cameron mystery and weaving through the plot to find the killer is very intense. This book could stand alone but the plot for book one is revealed in it and I found book one much more enjoyable because of the light humor in the setting and plot. The character of Val Cameron has developed quite a lot more in this novel. I look forward to book 3!
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. If you don't mind a darker mystery this is a 5/5. I was expecting a lighter more humor filled story like Practical Sins for a Cold Climate which had me with tears of laughter in parts and gripped with tension in other parts and I'd give a 6/5 to.
Not everything Val Cameron inherited, since her old boss ended up in Canada, is as wonderful as she'd hoped. The pay raise is minimal, Ivy League Ivy her new admin is way too perky and helpful, and author James Killian gives her bad vibes in spite of his smoldering good looks.
When Val's BFF, Adrian Bale, finally gets her wish - that Val would go out for a drink with her brother Antony, it's because Adrian's been murdered and Val is the last person Adrian phoned.
Antony has left the monastery in Norfolk England so he and Val can help NY Police Lieutenant Shay Cleary trace Adrian's last few weeks of travelling.
Val's Aunt Greta of the Artifact Authentication Agency asks for Val's help with an ancient document.
This well written mystery is darker than the previous Val Cameron mystery and weaving through the plot to find the killer is very intense. This book could stand alone but the plot for book one is revealed in it and I found book one much more enjoyable because of the light humor in the setting and plot. The character of Val Cameron has developed quite a lot more in this novel. I look forward to book 3!
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. If you don't mind a darker mystery this is a 5/5. I was expecting a lighter more humor filled story like Practical Sins for a Cold Climate which had me with tears of laughter in parts and gripped with tension in other parts and I'd give a 6/5 to.
August 23, 2016
A Killer's Guide to Good Works is the second book in Shelley Costa's Val Cameron Mystery series. Although part of a series, I read it as a stand alone and loved it!
Val (Valjean) Cameron is a senior editor in the publishing industry but not a stranger to mystery or murder. When Val's best friend and art history curator returns from visiting her brother, a monk at a Carmelite monastery in Norfolk, England, Adrian leaves her a message to come right away to see a major find that stowed away in her carry on. But by the time Val arrives, her friend has been murdered in her museum office and the artifact is nowhere to be found.
Questioned by Lieutenant Shay Cleary of NYPD, Val learns that she may be in the crosshairs of the murderer as the culprit has Adrian's phone and the messages she sent to both Val and her brother the monk.
Val and Adrian's brother, Antony Bale, had never met before the murder, but when they do it is to join forces to find the murderer and the artifact. When it is learned that a young monk has been murdered the apparently the artifact is missing from the monastery, connections are made.
In reading this book, I was immediately reminded of the works of Dan Brown. It was filled with intrigue, stories that crossed and combined, and a most precocious and observant young lady that is able to shed light on the morning of the murder. I definitely recommend this book.
Val (Valjean) Cameron is a senior editor in the publishing industry but not a stranger to mystery or murder. When Val's best friend and art history curator returns from visiting her brother, a monk at a Carmelite monastery in Norfolk, England, Adrian leaves her a message to come right away to see a major find that stowed away in her carry on. But by the time Val arrives, her friend has been murdered in her museum office and the artifact is nowhere to be found.
Questioned by Lieutenant Shay Cleary of NYPD, Val learns that she may be in the crosshairs of the murderer as the culprit has Adrian's phone and the messages she sent to both Val and her brother the monk.
Val and Adrian's brother, Antony Bale, had never met before the murder, but when they do it is to join forces to find the murderer and the artifact. When it is learned that a young monk has been murdered the apparently the artifact is missing from the monastery, connections are made.
In reading this book, I was immediately reminded of the works of Dan Brown. It was filled with intrigue, stories that crossed and combined, and a most precocious and observant young lady that is able to shed light on the morning of the murder. I definitely recommend this book.
August 12, 2016
I received this book through Net Galley and am thrilled for the opportunity to explore this novel.
Val Cameron has had a few weeks of bad days that just seem to be getting worse. Her boss is gone, her assistant is too good and enthusiastic, her author has too good looks to be what he seems, her best friend is murdered and her brother, the monk is spending all his time with Val to solve the case.
How did this happen? What do relics, the Catholic Church, a dead boy, secret societies and an old urn have to do with Adrian's murder? These questions and plenty more plague Val and Antony as they race against time to save themselves from being next.
The story keeps you on your toes, makes believable characters and has you working alongside the characters to get this mystery solved. Curl up with a glass of your favorite beverage and some snacks because once you open the first page, you will not want to move until you see the words, the end.
Val Cameron has had a few weeks of bad days that just seem to be getting worse. Her boss is gone, her assistant is too good and enthusiastic, her author has too good looks to be what he seems, her best friend is murdered and her brother, the monk is spending all his time with Val to solve the case.
How did this happen? What do relics, the Catholic Church, a dead boy, secret societies and an old urn have to do with Adrian's murder? These questions and plenty more plague Val and Antony as they race against time to save themselves from being next.
The story keeps you on your toes, makes believable characters and has you working alongside the characters to get this mystery solved. Curl up with a glass of your favorite beverage and some snacks because once you open the first page, you will not want to move until you see the words, the end.
September 20, 2016
This is a great book; this is the second book in the A Val Cameron Mystery series written by Shelley Costa. Val Cameron is a senior editor in New York. When her curator best friend returns from an abbey in England, she invites Val to see a priceless relic that has mysteriously found its way into her carryon. But by the time Val arrives at the museum, her friend has been murdered and the relic is gone. Val also learns that a young monk at the abbey has also been murdered. When Val’s apartment get broken into she decides that she is going to track down the killer. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 17, 2016
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this, but it definitely wasn't cozy crime does The Da Vinci Code - which is what it turned out to be! It didn't quite work for me, mostly because it ended up feeling quite rushed - the resolution came about more easily and with less peril than I was expecting. I think that's because of the marriage between cozy crime and Langdon-esque thriller. This has about the level of peril and complexity that I expect from a cozy crime - but that didn't quite fit right (for me) with the ideas behind the plot. I also felt like some more explanation of some of the ideas/organisations was needed (I'm trying not to give too much away) as although the murder plot was resolved it felt like some other ends were left untied/unexplained
I did quite like it though - I thought the characters and set up were interesting and I wouldn't rule out reading more in this series.
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this, but it definitely wasn't cozy crime does The Da Vinci Code - which is what it turned out to be! It didn't quite work for me, mostly because it ended up feeling quite rushed - the resolution came about more easily and with less peril than I was expecting. I think that's because of the marriage between cozy crime and Langdon-esque thriller. This has about the level of peril and complexity that I expect from a cozy crime - but that didn't quite fit right (for me) with the ideas behind the plot. I also felt like some more explanation of some of the ideas/organisations was needed (I'm trying not to give too much away) as although the murder plot was resolved it felt like some other ends were left untied/unexplained
I did quite like it though - I thought the characters and set up were interesting and I wouldn't rule out reading more in this series.
Read
November 5, 2016I confess to being hooked by the cover and the fact that one of major characters is a member of a Carmelite monastery in England. Fool that I was, I expected some realism in depiction the life of the monastery. Instead, what I got was a Dan Brown-type mystery with people running in all directions trying to foil the actions of a mysterious cult. If Netgalley hadn't given me the book in exchange for an honest review, I would have stopped reading it early on.
I soldiered on until I finished it. It wasn't any more realistic or believable by the end than it was at the beginning. There were a few moments of enjoyment, where Val is compelled to do her job as an editor, but they are outnumbered by the annoyance at Anthony's lack of any real religious vocation and his complete freedom to wander around at will.
All and all a disappointment.
I soldiered on until I finished it. It wasn't any more realistic or believable by the end than it was at the beginning. There were a few moments of enjoyment, where Val is compelled to do her job as an editor, but they are outnumbered by the annoyance at Anthony's lack of any real religious vocation and his complete freedom to wander around at will.
All and all a disappointment.
November 7, 2016
This is a suspenseful mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. The theme of the artifacts that surround the mystery is captivating because it involves the crucifixion of Christ himself. I like the focus on the ancient artifacts and the library that houses them. As a former librarian and one who enjoys history, this was a fun part of the book. Of course, the murder of Val's best friend, Adrian, is an emotional thing in the story, and it was hard to read without tearing up. And then to have Adrian's brother, Anthony Bale there...he definitely added to the story and made a compelling love interest for Val. The fact that he lives in a monastery makes it even more interesting. It was an intriguing story, and there was lots of action and interesting characters all through the book. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more by this author, and more with Val Cameron.
September 6, 2016
3.75 stars
Editor Val Cameron is devastated by the murder of her best friend Adrian. Soon she and Adrian's brother are investigating the circumstances of Adrian's death along with the mysterious drowning of a young monk in England. How can the two killings possibly be related?
In this second Val mystery, once again the writing is lovely and the characters complex and well-developed. There are some formulaic elements to the plot, but that didn't mar the enjoyment of this well-crafted tale.
I received an ARC of this novel from Net Galley in return for my honest review.
Editor Val Cameron is devastated by the murder of her best friend Adrian. Soon she and Adrian's brother are investigating the circumstances of Adrian's death along with the mysterious drowning of a young monk in England. How can the two killings possibly be related?
In this second Val mystery, once again the writing is lovely and the characters complex and well-developed. There are some formulaic elements to the plot, but that didn't mar the enjoyment of this well-crafted tale.
I received an ARC of this novel from Net Galley in return for my honest review.
November 5, 2016
I was given this book as a gift and I wanted to provide a review. This book is full of suspense and mystery with several surprises. The characters were well developed and very interesting. Once I started reading it was almost impossible to stop - I had to find out what would happen next! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There was a previous book that I would love to read. It's called "Practical Sins for Cold Climates" They are stand alone books but there were references to the first book in this one. I highly recommend this book.
September 1, 2016
Interesting read. It reminded me of a Dan Brown novel. I am not sure what I think of the main character, Val Cameron. I want to, really want to, like her, but something is holding me back. I think it is my sense that she holds back in her dealings with other characters in the book. That said, I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and wonder (hope) that something more will develop between Val and Antony.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 27, 2016
A fun read. I liked Val and her humor and enjoyed the mystery but the whole DaVinci code part was never explained and seemed to be a bit forced in. I would read more in this series. And I want to know more about Antony and his mysterious job :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews