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Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #7
Deadly Deception
Sir James Redstone has recently returned from abroad. He is handsome, well-educated, heir to the Redstone title and family fortune, and a fellow traveler of Mikaela Forsythe. He is also a member of the royal inner circle, close friend of the Prince of Wales, and well known to Mikaela’s aunt, Lady Antonia Montgomery. In the past he and Mikaela traveled in the same group to Egypt and the Far East. They share the experience of that adventure that she has written about in her first novel. Now, Redstone has returned with tales of other travels that Mikaela might have made if not for the recent change in her relationship with Brodie. Redstone is everything Brodie is not as far as society is concerned, and it drives a wedge between the two when he becomes suspicious of the man’s activities—a series of telegrams covertly sent and received, meetings in the middle of the night in places that are dangerous and frequented only by foreigners. Is it jealousy and envy? Or are Brodie’s suspicions valid? At the same time, Mikaela has noticed undeniable changes in Sir James—a forgotten experience aboard a ship they were on, an encounter with Bedoins in the desert, and the death of a fellow traveler. Small things to other people, but it raises her own suspicions of the man who has the appearance and manners of Redstone, and yet...Is it simply the intervening years and other travels that have dimmed the memories, or is it something more? Lily, now Mikaela’s ward, who is young and far more worldly than she should be, makes a startling claim about Redstone, well-learned from her previous experiences at that brothel in Edinburgh. Then a member of the royal inner circle is found dead, last seen in the company of Redstone, and both Brodie and Mikaela are forced to look at their own suspicions of the man. Is he who he claims to be? Or is he an impostor? If so, how and what does that death mean? Who will be next? It’s a race against time for Mikaela and Brodie to set aside their suspicions of one another, follow the clues no matter where it takes them, and discover a horrifying deception that reaches beyond London and could change the course of everyone’s lives.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
259 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 16, 2025
I have read the series in order and have enjoyed it. The romance has moved along but is still very secondary to the mystery. I picked up and put down this book multiple times and found it to be entertaining but nothing really stood out to me. There was a twist in the book but not enough to go "oh wow I can't wait for the next". I probably will continue with the series.
March 30, 2024
Great Characters
Love the characters when they work together, but unfortunately they don’t.
A lot of of psychology and feelings and questions of feelings again.
We had all that in the first 5 books. Why can’t we have it them work as a team instead of separate and being upset or hiding issues. ??
Love the characters when they work together, but unfortunately they don’t.
A lot of of psychology and feelings and questions of feelings again.
We had all that in the first 5 books. Why can’t we have it them work as a team instead of separate and being upset or hiding issues. ??
March 29, 2024
Another exciting case for Mr. and Mrs. Brodie
It’s about time! I believe readers would agree, that our beloved sleuths married…and without a lot of fanfare. It was probably close to an anvil ceremony. lol 😝
However, there are still mysteries to be solved and their newest cases initially have them on divergent paths. Mikaela isn’t used to not being able to discuss work with him and is finding herself missing Brodie as she works on a missing husband case, and Brodie has another case with the Secret Service. Hers involves a doctor who has been on the cutting edge of reconstructive surgery and the wife suspects infidelity. Brodie is working on a classified case involving an international anarchist. The author intentionally misleads us in the prologue. I won’t spoil why. Just know that the cases wind up joining together and one of the clues to solving the case is deciphered by her ward, 14 y/o Lily. The young girl who left a brothel in Edinburgh, who worked there as a servant, and who saved Mikaela’s life. She’s spending her time at Aunt Antonia’s home, bored with music, art, and language lessons, but is indulged in sparring with Mikaela using rapiers…Lily loves weapons.
This is action packed, intriguing and informative, particularly on what Egyptian surgical and medical practices were and how they are used in this story. This is an easy read with all of our favorites who aid Mikaela and Brodie in their endeavors: Agent Sinclair, Cavendish, Munro, Mrs. Ryan, Dr. Brimmel, and Rupert, the hound.
However, I was astounded at the end when Brodie announces that he has to go and doesn’t know when he’ll return. WHAT!!! Oh, Simpson, you are very naughty. 👿
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
It’s about time! I believe readers would agree, that our beloved sleuths married…and without a lot of fanfare. It was probably close to an anvil ceremony. lol 😝
However, there are still mysteries to be solved and their newest cases initially have them on divergent paths. Mikaela isn’t used to not being able to discuss work with him and is finding herself missing Brodie as she works on a missing husband case, and Brodie has another case with the Secret Service. Hers involves a doctor who has been on the cutting edge of reconstructive surgery and the wife suspects infidelity. Brodie is working on a classified case involving an international anarchist. The author intentionally misleads us in the prologue. I won’t spoil why. Just know that the cases wind up joining together and one of the clues to solving the case is deciphered by her ward, 14 y/o Lily. The young girl who left a brothel in Edinburgh, who worked there as a servant, and who saved Mikaela’s life. She’s spending her time at Aunt Antonia’s home, bored with music, art, and language lessons, but is indulged in sparring with Mikaela using rapiers…Lily loves weapons.
This is action packed, intriguing and informative, particularly on what Egyptian surgical and medical practices were and how they are used in this story. This is an easy read with all of our favorites who aid Mikaela and Brodie in their endeavors: Agent Sinclair, Cavendish, Munro, Mrs. Ryan, Dr. Brimmel, and Rupert, the hound.
However, I was astounded at the end when Brodie announces that he has to go and doesn’t know when he’ll return. WHAT!!! Oh, Simpson, you are very naughty. 👿
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
March 25, 2024
A book full of secrets, plotting and unrest. There are two cases one being worked by Mikaela the search for a missing husband and a secret one being worked on by Brodie at the behest of the government and Sir Avery. The two cases collide and yet there’s still separation between the two new spouses. Another form of unrest. It seems almost as if there’s a melancholy between them when there should be joy at the beginning of their new life. Yet life so rarely works out exactly as we expect. There are bright spots, and laughter with Lily and Mikaela’s aunt and sister. Overall this felt like a part one, building towards something that will come in the next book. The cases are solved and yet there’s still unfinished business. An enjoyable and intriguing read no doubt and I eagerly await the next book especially with this ending!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #7
Publication Date: 3/26/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 262
Shades of Guy Fawkes! An anarchist has been causing upheaval throughout the continent – and now he is in London. What havoc does he plan to wreak and can he be stopped before it happens?
Mikaela and Brodie, who are now married, are pursuing different investigations. Brodie, secretive as ever, is investigating on behalf of the Agency (a forerunner of MI6), and Mikaela is looking into the case of a missing doctor.
Joseph Bennett is a gifted physician and surgeon. He is brilliant and is always pushing the limits of current standards and trying new innovations. That brilliance has caused him to be censured by the medical leadership and that grates on him. What can a man do other than start a secret practice? Secret as in absolutely no one knows about it. So, when his wife hires Mikaela to find him, she has no place to start. That doesn’t deter her, and she digs into his life with a fine-toothed comb. What she finds . . . Well, you just need to read the book. 😊
Brodie continues working assignments for the Agency – and this one is a doozie. Lithuanian, Dimitri Soropkin, an extremely dangerous anarchist, has cost many lives on the continent with his explosions and unrest. Now, he is in England, to spread anarchy and cause maximum damage to England, its leadership, its stability, and perhaps its Queen. Brodie and the Agency know he reached London because there have been reliable sightings of him. Then, he disappeared and there have been no sightings at all. He didn’t leave, so where is he and what is he up to?
Two exciting investigations come clashing together most interestingly, and the exciting solution will leave you on the edge of your seat. The story is fast-paced, interesting, and well-written. The series has quickly become one of my favorites though I was hoping for more growth from Brodie – he has disappointed me of late. It isn’t that he distrusts Mikhaela, it is that he has insecurities about himself – plus he wants to protect her at all costs. Given his background, I can understand his insecurities to a point. I can even understand his protectiveness – to a point. However, he should know that isn’t going to work and learn to trust that she can and will take care of herself – and maybe even help him in the process. I’m hoping there is some substantial growth in the next book.
I enjoyed this book and I have also enjoyed the other books in the series. You could read this as a stand-alone title, but for a richer experience, I would suggest reading the series in order. Some things will puzzle you – if you are an anglophile and want accuracy – such as this line – “A member of the ton, she had been born to her title of duchess, however, she rarely used it.” Ummm – right – and she is referred to as Lady Antonia (Montgomery). There is also the Lady Forsythe title Mikhaela inherited from her father. This author researches, so perhaps she’s found examples of where these could be correct, but I’m pretty sure they aren’t. Anyway – I love the book and can recommend it – and I hope you will love it too. Happy Reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #7
Publication Date: 3/26/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 262
Shades of Guy Fawkes! An anarchist has been causing upheaval throughout the continent – and now he is in London. What havoc does he plan to wreak and can he be stopped before it happens?
Mikaela and Brodie, who are now married, are pursuing different investigations. Brodie, secretive as ever, is investigating on behalf of the Agency (a forerunner of MI6), and Mikaela is looking into the case of a missing doctor.
Joseph Bennett is a gifted physician and surgeon. He is brilliant and is always pushing the limits of current standards and trying new innovations. That brilliance has caused him to be censured by the medical leadership and that grates on him. What can a man do other than start a secret practice? Secret as in absolutely no one knows about it. So, when his wife hires Mikaela to find him, she has no place to start. That doesn’t deter her, and she digs into his life with a fine-toothed comb. What she finds . . . Well, you just need to read the book. 😊
Brodie continues working assignments for the Agency – and this one is a doozie. Lithuanian, Dimitri Soropkin, an extremely dangerous anarchist, has cost many lives on the continent with his explosions and unrest. Now, he is in England, to spread anarchy and cause maximum damage to England, its leadership, its stability, and perhaps its Queen. Brodie and the Agency know he reached London because there have been reliable sightings of him. Then, he disappeared and there have been no sightings at all. He didn’t leave, so where is he and what is he up to?
Two exciting investigations come clashing together most interestingly, and the exciting solution will leave you on the edge of your seat. The story is fast-paced, interesting, and well-written. The series has quickly become one of my favorites though I was hoping for more growth from Brodie – he has disappointed me of late. It isn’t that he distrusts Mikhaela, it is that he has insecurities about himself – plus he wants to protect her at all costs. Given his background, I can understand his insecurities to a point. I can even understand his protectiveness – to a point. However, he should know that isn’t going to work and learn to trust that she can and will take care of herself – and maybe even help him in the process. I’m hoping there is some substantial growth in the next book.
I enjoyed this book and I have also enjoyed the other books in the series. You could read this as a stand-alone title, but for a richer experience, I would suggest reading the series in order. Some things will puzzle you – if you are an anglophile and want accuracy – such as this line – “A member of the ton, she had been born to her title of duchess, however, she rarely used it.” Ummm – right – and she is referred to as Lady Antonia (Montgomery). There is also the Lady Forsythe title Mikhaela inherited from her father. This author researches, so perhaps she’s found examples of where these could be correct, but I’m pretty sure they aren’t. Anyway – I love the book and can recommend it – and I hope you will love it too. Happy Reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2024
The inquiries or cases that Mikaela and Brodie find themselves immersed in had such a modern day feel. Stopping a terrorist from planning an attack is a very now problem which we try to combat with technology and intelligence that did not exist in this time this story was set. That made the challenge all the larger for our married investigators. They were searching for a villain who was essentially a chameleon thanks to old time medical practices. The medical practices our villain underwent all sounded very modern but set in that era were new and dangerous and unheard of at the time. It is that juxtaposition of a modern sounding case set against a time gone by the made the adventure fun.
I will admit that my personal preference much like Mikaela's is for our investigators to work together. As generic as this expression may be it is true in their cases to say they are better together. Out author clearly agreed as she brought the two cases together and that is when things got really good in the story. In the end our pair had to prevent attack and save the day.
Lily is a breath of fresh air as she unafraid to be herself. Her impromptu concert changes were hysterical and provided a needed bit of levity. Her life experiences, while horrible, gave her an insight that was rare. She was a nice addition to the story overall.
I plan to keep reading the series and would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will admit that my personal preference much like Mikaela's is for our investigators to work together. As generic as this expression may be it is true in their cases to say they are better together. Out author clearly agreed as she brought the two cases together and that is when things got really good in the story. In the end our pair had to prevent attack and save the day.
Lily is a breath of fresh air as she unafraid to be herself. Her impromptu concert changes were hysterical and provided a needed bit of levity. Her life experiences, while horrible, gave her an insight that was rare. She was a nice addition to the story overall.
I plan to keep reading the series and would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2024
I enjoy Brodie and Mikaela’s adventures, having read all of them. This one is a bit disappointing as it seems to drag a bit. Brodie is on the hunt for an assassin, Mikaela is hunting for a missing Dr. Ending up at the same place at the same time, they realize they are working the same case from different angles. The storyline is good, but it seemed to take forever to get to the point. I loved Lilly, as she is always worth a few good laughs and surprises. There is wonderful historical facts included that kept my attention and the villain is hidden well, having the reader almost believe one person is the villain, only to find out you are wrong. Brodie and Mikaela have a long way to go in the marriage department, so I look forward to seeing that bloom as the series evolves. A good story, just not the excitement one comes to expect with these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2024
I do love adventures with Mikaela and Brodie, and this one has a unique twist, along with the action, humor, and wit I love about these characters. Lily adds a new level of humor and other welcome surprises that are bound to entertain in future books, as well. I was sure that I had this one figured out from almost the first chapter, but Ms. Simpson managed to sneak in a second twist that took me by surprise. I was disappointed that the two worked apart more than together in this book, even after their separate inquiries coincided. I am hoping for more of the bantering partnership that drew me to this series and this couple, in the first place, in Book 8. Oh, and that ending! Really?! It's a bit of a cliffhanger, so hang in there.
Bronwen Price did her usual excellent job voicing these characters and making every female from 15 to 95 fall for Brodie.
Bronwen Price did her usual excellent job voicing these characters and making every female from 15 to 95 fall for Brodie.
March 28, 2024
This story has a bit more of a darker feel. The first part of the book Mikaela and Brodie are working on different cases and apart, though we get Brodie's perspective a little more, which I enjoyed. It's a bit somber, their being apart, but it gives Mikaela time to realize how much she is missing having Brodie around and as for Brodie, he just wants to keep her safe. Their separate cases become the same and by the middle they're working together! There are several laugh out loud parts as well as a few very heart felt parts as well. Very good! ...... The only thing I didn't like...... the cliffhanger. Book 8 can't come out soon enough!
P.S. I miss the 'my aunts very fine whisky'. Old Lodge, just doesn't have that quirk fun ring.
P.S. I miss the 'my aunts very fine whisky'. Old Lodge, just doesn't have that quirk fun ring.
March 25, 2024
Angus and Mikaela, newly married, are working on separate cases, Angus for Sir Avery on a very hush, hush case, and Mikaela on the disappearance of a woman's husband. They are unaware that their cases are related until they run into each other at a location that proves to have some interesting evidence that really puts a different face on their cases.
This story had me guessing from the start, just when I thought I had it figured out, there was a twist I did not see coming.
Best mystery to date.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had me guessing from the start, just when I thought I had it figured out, there was a twist I did not see coming.
Best mystery to date.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2024
Another great adventure!
Sometimes it’s hard to have a relationship when murder keeps getting in the way. This is another great mystery, with history lessons thrown in. While it’s still a great many years before World War I, you get to see a glimpse of the building blocks slowly being stacked in place. Carla Simpson is a master of weaving the fictional lives of her characters into to the realities of the time and place in history. This group of characters have become some of my best friends. I can’t wait to see what mischief they fall into next.
Sometimes it’s hard to have a relationship when murder keeps getting in the way. This is another great mystery, with history lessons thrown in. While it’s still a great many years before World War I, you get to see a glimpse of the building blocks slowly being stacked in place. Carla Simpson is a master of weaving the fictional lives of her characters into to the realities of the time and place in history. This group of characters have become some of my best friends. I can’t wait to see what mischief they fall into next.
May 9, 2024
4.25/5⭐️
This 7th book finds the newlyweds (Mikaela and Brodie) trying to settle in and find ways to blend their lives.
They each have their own cases…a missing surgeon for her, an assassin/anarchist for him, but discover their cases might be connected. There’s a code to break, ancient surgical procedures resurrected and dastardly deeds to thwart. Exciting times.
I enjoyed this one as we see the new dynamics between our mains, and we begin to anticipate how they’ll handle this new reality. Really enjoying this series.
This 7th book finds the newlyweds (Mikaela and Brodie) trying to settle in and find ways to blend their lives.
They each have their own cases…a missing surgeon for her, an assassin/anarchist for him, but discover their cases might be connected. There’s a code to break, ancient surgical procedures resurrected and dastardly deeds to thwart. Exciting times.
I enjoyed this one as we see the new dynamics between our mains, and we begin to anticipate how they’ll handle this new reality. Really enjoying this series.
March 21, 2024
This is an excellent series of books. This party one is less of a stand alone. I think there are parts that would have been confusing if you had not read some of the earlier novels.
The series is great at mixing romance, suspense, intrigue, and even some humor. That is true for this book also. It also has some unexpected turns. Very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The series is great at mixing romance, suspense, intrigue, and even some humor. That is true for this book also. It also has some unexpected turns. Very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2024
Now Angus and Mikaela are married. They are working on separate cases that slowly intersect. It was interesting to think about when plastic surgery may have begun. Lily is very much involved with the code breaking which I can envision her doing more of that in the future. I enjoyed the mystery and involving all the old secondary characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2024
Astounding Revelations
Intrigue and murder again cause Brodie and Mikaela to spend too much time chasing clues and no time for their young marriage. Then there's Lily, the young girl Mikaela brought with her from Scotland, to care for and educate. Conspiracies abound. A very entertaining story.
Intrigue and murder again cause Brodie and Mikaela to spend too much time chasing clues and no time for their young marriage. Then there's Lily, the young girl Mikaela brought with her from Scotland, to care for and educate. Conspiracies abound. A very entertaining story.
April 28, 2024
A Missing Person/A Message/A Clue!
Two cases not thought to be connected- but eventually leading
Up together.. An acquaintance from the past - another man changed- a hunt for a missing Dr. A cryptic message unraveled to reveal a plot against the government- and who the better to solve the case - Mr. & Mrs. Angus Brodie with a little help from some friends.
Two cases not thought to be connected- but eventually leading
Up together.. An acquaintance from the past - another man changed- a hunt for a missing Dr. A cryptic message unraveled to reveal a plot against the government- and who the better to solve the case - Mr. & Mrs. Angus Brodie with a little help from some friends.
May 6, 2024
READ AGAIN
The writers know when I love a good book and this is one of them. I love the mystery and the suspense that the main characters encountered just to get the answers that they seek. The book moves pretty good with the intensity of an amazing story. I loved the characters. I enjoy the story the most. Reading again.
The writers know when I love a good book and this is one of them. I love the mystery and the suspense that the main characters encountered just to get the answers that they seek. The book moves pretty good with the intensity of an amazing story. I loved the characters. I enjoy the story the most. Reading again.
June 29, 2024
3.5⭐️
Finally Mikaela and Brodie are married and yet they were more separate in this book than in any of the others. I love the characters but they didn’t work so much for me this time.
However — the story itself was engaging. The end of the case was surprising, and definitely a couple things I didn’t see coming.
Finally Mikaela and Brodie are married and yet they were more separate in this book than in any of the others. I love the characters but they didn’t work so much for me this time.
However — the story itself was engaging. The end of the case was surprising, and definitely a couple things I didn’t see coming.
August 13, 2024
I have been provided with a review copy of A Deadly Deception from Booksprout for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.
September 29, 2024
Deadly!
They each have a case, she to find a missing physician husband, he to find an anarchist assassin. They come together as the same case. After twists, turns, and red herrings, and with the help of lily, and others, they solve the case and save the day. Loved it.
They each have a case, she to find a missing physician husband, he to find an anarchist assassin. They come together as the same case. After twists, turns, and red herrings, and with the help of lily, and others, they solve the case and save the day. Loved it.
September 19, 2025
There are many elements I enjoy in these historical mysteries. The characters are fun, if not realistic, and there are often many repetitions about characters that feel more like fillers. Nevertheless, I find the books entertaining and enjoy them.
April 1, 2024
Too easy to figure out.
While this was good I figured out the bulk of the mystery in the first 25% or less.I prefer mysteries that I have difficulty solving.
While this was good I figured out the bulk of the mystery in the first 25% or less.I prefer mysteries that I have difficulty solving.
Read
April 19, 2024dnf
April 28, 2024
Imposter
Love this.series and would highly recommend it. Love the relationship between Angus and Mikaela. An intriguing mystery. Can not wait for the next one!
Love this.series and would highly recommend it. Love the relationship between Angus and Mikaela. An intriguing mystery. Can not wait for the next one!
May 25, 2024
Don't know why I keep reading these books I never solve the mystery and Mickaela and Brodie are just a cryptic couple
July 16, 2024
ALWAYS EXCELLENT
The stories,characters get better each time. I have one more to read and then I’ll have to wait until February of next year.
The stories,characters get better each time. I have one more to read and then I’ll have to wait until February of next year.
August 21, 2024
good read
What a long and involved plot, only to be heroically solved in the last moments before catastrophe destruction. And what’s next?👍👍👍
What a long and involved plot, only to be heroically solved in the last moments before catastrophe destruction. And what’s next?👍👍👍
September 12, 2024
Good
An interesting story. The divide in the characters is tough. Not a lot of growth or development. The opener gave a lot of insight to the story, maybe a bit too much.
An interesting story. The divide in the characters is tough. Not a lot of growth or development. The opener gave a lot of insight to the story, maybe a bit too much.
October 21, 2024
favorite series
I love this series of books Carla Simpson does a very good job with her characters. Excited for the next book. Good Read
I love this series of books Carla Simpson does a very good job with her characters. Excited for the next book. Good Read
May 21, 2025
Really enjoy this series. Some romance, mystery, and a little humor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews