Deadly Betrayal

Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #8

by Carla Simpson

"Ghosts of the past…

The very case that made Brodie leave the Metropolitan Police returns to jeopardize his private inquiry business, his relationship with Mikaela Forsythe, and perhaps even his life.

Ten years earlier, after Brodie refused to divulge the name of his source in a murder case, Chief Inspector Abberline threatened to have charges brought against him for withholding evidence. The case might very well have won Abberline the coveted new title of Commissioner of Police, and when the “source,” a woman, suddenly disappeared, Abberline couldn’t forgive Brodie.

Now the woman has returned and says the man she could have helped put behind bars is stalking her and she’s afraid for her life. Determined to save her, Brodie searches for her stalker, only to become the prime suspect himself when she turns up dead. With Abberline about to have him arrested, Brodie goes into hiding, insisting he can find the real killer.

Can Mikaela trust that Brodie’s telling the truth? Why won’t he tell her everything he knows? And what does this all mean for their partnership as well as their personal relationship? She’s about to find out as she undertakes her own investigation to prove Brodie’s innocence. And when the case takes her into the back streets of London, to the private salon of a man who knew the mysterious woman, is she prepared for what she will find?

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Mystery, Suspense

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Carla Simpson also writes as Quinn Taylor Evans.

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read each book in order written and they have been enjoyable but not outstanding. This book I picked up and put down frequently and just had trouble getting into the spirit of the plot. I just didn't care about the poor lady that was murdered. I was never invested in the case. There are twists and turns that come into play towards the end of the story but again....I just didn't care. Some reviewers have mentioned how Angus or Mikaela annoyed them. I found both just to be wandering around asking questions that just bored me. This is a 4.5* rated book, so this is a case of me not you. The book ends on a cliff hanger so I will continue the series as I rate it with my standard 3.5* which is where most books fall for me. Good but not great and sits more on the 3* scale in Merry World.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a welcome diversion from heat, just the thing to enjoy in the comfort of air conditioning. Plenty of action for Mikeaela to fight her way through kept things humming. Of course Brodie is not made happy over the risks she takes! Oh well. Off to the art fair on the Mag Mile for me!

Kindle Unlimited

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much drama

The books appear to be moving almost fully into “relationship” with overly obvious case to solve. There is much “bloody (insert preferred exasperated person identifying here)”. I don’t know. I was looking forward to this book. I am not sure if I will look forward much to rhe next book.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.89

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark time for Mikaela and Brodie. Ghosts from his past have come up and threaten to undo all the good he’s done and the relationship they’ve built. Will his pride and her determination allow them to continue on or will this case be a breaking point?
This was a tough one to read. I love these two and I was distraught at what these two stubborn fools have wrought. Compelling and frustrating in equal measure. I’m not sure what’s next but I know I cannot wait to find out!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rbucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery was good, as in I didn’t figure it out. I love that in a book. I get so annoyed when the two protagonists, who love and are made for each other become “estranged.” Is that really necessary? It detracts from the mystery and does nothing for character development.

[Gail Koger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. Give it a try, you won't be sorry.

[Julie Austalosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. You jump right into the series of Brodie and Mikaela, this time to help one of their own. The characters have continued to develop overtime, and as expected, reached an impasse. The writing and storyline was fast paced, full of action and kept me guessing. Clues were given throughout the book as to what actually happened, but one could not be sure until the very end. There were a few moments I had to reread to be certain what happened, due to language used by the characters in the time period. However that did not hinder the flow of the book, rather a user error as they say. Excited to see the story of Brodie and Mikaela continue!


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coral Bielby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tower

An intriguing storyline with many interesting scenarios and twists and turns throughout. A veritable host of characters including a hound to
Lighten things up. Obviously the central players are at odds with each other more often than not so only time will show how things will finally resolve

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #8
Publication Date: 6/4/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 290

Non-stop action, a compelling mystery, bargains with the devil, emotional betrayal, and eye-opening relationships make this one of the best books of the series. You will probably figure out who is behind the murders early on, but that identity is of less importance to the story as a whole. Working through the who, how, and why is a journey that will nearly end both Mikaela and Brodie. Not only are their lives at risk but their personal relationship as well. Oh! Goodness – what a cliffhanger.

Angus Brodie left the Met under a cloud – we’ve read all about that in the previous books. In this book, that final case comes back to haunt him – big time. In that previous case, a young man was murdered. There was only one witness to that murder, and she quickly disappeared. Inspector Aberline blamed Brodie for her disappearance and threatened to bring charges against him – so Brodie resigned. Ten years later, the young woman has reappeared – and has been murdered. Are the cases related? Surely not if they are ten years apart.

Aberline has had a vendetta against Brodie for all those years, and now is his chance to get his revenge. He quickly declares Brodie as the young woman’s murderer and sets out to arrest him. Brodie quickly goes underground and Mikaela knows that the only way to save Brodie is to find the actual murderer. Brodie doesn’t want her anywhere near the case for many personal reasons aside from trying to protect her. However, when Brodie is arrested and nearly beaten to death, Mikaela makes a deal with the devil to save him. Brodie doesn’t appreciate that in the least and becomes even more surly – and when Mikaela’s life is endangered, it all comes to a head.

We had some lovely time with several supporting characters – especially Mikaela’s aunt. You will adore her – I wish I had an aunt like that! What I didn’t see – and sorely wished for – was some punishment or accountability for Aberline. However, it was totally silent in that regard. Is the Met going to let him do the things he did and get away with them? I mean – the way he conducted his visit to Mikaela’s aunt would normally be enough to see him drummed out of the Met. Apparently, unless there is something in the next book, Aberline will escape any punishment.

Normally, I am a big fan of Brodie, but I didn’t like him – at all – in this book. He is normally a big, broody, very protective Scot and I can understand and appreciate that. If you love someone, you want to protect them and keep them safe even though they are perfectly capable of protecting themselves. In this book, he isn’t protective, he is secretive, condescending, and downright mean and hateful. I understand what the author was going for, I didn’t like it, but I understood it. It is just that acting as he did in this book just didn’t seem to mesh with the Brodie I’d seen in the previous 7 books. I assume book 9 will bring resolution to the cliffhanger we are left with at the end of this book. I won’t mind seeing a contrite Brodie, but if he becomes one of those doormat heroes I see in so many tales lately, I won’t like him very well at all. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my, what a story, this was very hard to read and yet amazing at the same time. Brodie’s past has come back to haunt him. Ten years ago, a man was murdered, and a woman saw who did it. She couldn’t tell the police and her life was in danger. Brodie was an officer with the Metropolitan Police and helped her find a safe place away from London. It made an enemy of his boss, Chief Inspector Abberline. Her getting away cost him the much-wanted job of Commissioner and he has been out for revenge ever since. For what every reason the woman has returned to London with a son, Rory. Brodie is involved in more ways than keeping her safe. When she turns up dead, Abberline gets his long waiting chance for revenge. Brodie goes into hiding to try and find the real murder of both the woman and the man from the past. Thinking about protecting Mikaela, he tells her nothing, leaving her in the dark. Big, Hugh mistake on the part of our big, stubborn, broody Scott!! Of course, she digs right in trying to help him and solve whatever is going on. This case has a lot of danger and secrets from the past to deal with. With help from Rupert, the street-smart hound and protector along with Munro, and mostly Aunt Antonia. Oh, to have a wonderful aunt like her would make life so special. Of course, Brodie doesn't want her involved words are spoken in anger, secrets told and when all is said and done both Brodie and Mikaela have some hard choices to make. What will happen to their new marriage, the firm and how will two very independent, stubborn people move on? I have loved all the books in this series and this one was tough, Brodie has always been a tough guy with a soft heart, I didn’t find that in this book. I show a side of him I don’t like. There were many things left unfinished for me. The ending is a lot like a cliff hanger which was hard for me. This is a great read, and I am glad I read it. This series really needs to be read in order. Each book is great, but all have history from the books before it. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. I did take a star off as I didn’t like the way it ends. Not like the rest of the books. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. I am really looking forward to the next book it can’t get her soon enough.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was distressed some about how this one ended. But I get it. I estimate Brodie and Munro, to be early 40's, -and yes young readers, that's a super handsome age for men, when they go from dreamy, to dashing with the gray hair, so no ewws. ...... Mikaela is in her late twenties. Both have been on their own for a long time and both are very set in their ways. Brodie already has an issue, with Mikaelas money and title, not wanting people to think he's living off of her because he can't provide..... The male ego is a fragile one. Tack on they just married, he had the S*#^ beaten out of him AND he couldn't save the other woman he once loved..... but, yes, he should have clued Mikaela about the deceased relationship to him and the fact her son may or may not be his.
I've been with my husband 20+ years and I still don't understand him. That first year of marriage, especially if you never lived together before, is a VERY hard year. Case on point the things you once found 'cute', (secrets that made him handsomely brooding,) now annoy you to no end.
If anything, this book proved how deep their love runs. Mikaela, sold her soul to Satan/Sir Avery, to save Brodie. Brodie is ashamed he has gotten Mikaela and her family involved to save him. Brodie is very proud and can get himself out of trouble.
There's love between these characters. You put two stubborn, independent, self-sufficient people together, you're going to have falling outs.
I have faith, that love will prevail. Afterall, it is Angus and Mikaela murder mysteries.

[Jan Goodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mikaela Forsythe and Angus Brodie are involved in murder, one recent and one ten years old. This time it is personal. Brodie is involved up to his eyeballs in both. He cautions more strongly than usual for Mikaela to stay out of it, but you know she can not. Even more so when Brodie is arrested for the more recent murder, which he did not commit. On paper, one would never see these two as a couple. He grew up on the streets after his mother was murdered, while she was taken in by her wealthy, aristocratic great aunt after her parents died. Although she calls him a stubborn Scot, she is just as stubborn. Both are loyal to the bone, especially to each other and would willingly give themselves up for the other. As the story proceeds, they do just that. This author always does justice to a murder mystery, even though the culprit was obvious early on or with a good educated guess. There are a few twists and turns that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. Unfortunately, by book's end I was shaking my head and wondering what happened to my favorite book couple. They may often appear to be at odds with each other but they do truly love each other. Now is their marriage done? Do they just need a break to get back on track? I need my Mikaela and Angus together! Hopefully, this will be cleared up in the next book. Note to author: Please do not make us wait too long.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may have been one of Mikaela's finest hours. She is smart and a little too fearless willing to take whatever steps necessary for those she loves. Rupert, while more of a hound, was also important to this story. The mystery was a good one but as it unfolded, the ending became a bit apparent. At least part of it did, for Brodie, this book was not his finest hour. I found him to be staunch and unbending instead of supportive. It is difficult because I am describing him through the lens of a modern woman. It felt like he wanted her to choose between her work and her family life. The optics on that again as through modern eyes sucked, if she choose work she lost him and if she choose work she lost the woman he fell in love with.
One thing that was fun was the talk about characters such as Benz who was inventing a car. It was fun to read about modern company in this historical context.
I am going to need to keep reading to see if Brodie realizes what he is loosing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Stubborn

Brodie’s past catches up with him once again, but this time the new murder investigation puts both he and Mikaela at risk. Simpson teases us with Brodie’s disappearing, and disconnected clues with Mikaela trying to make sense of a 10 y/o murder investigation that remained unsolved. It was the reason that Brodie left the MET to become a private investigator. Brodie has been protecting a witness to the murder, but she has recently been murdered, and since he was found leaving the premises, Chief Detective Abberline has accused him of the murder. Brodie is on the run and Mikaela is on the chase…for him and the murderer. Enjoy this excellent new addition to the series. Read about the other secrets that Brodie has been keeping from Mikaela. Know that this ends in a cliffhanger regarding their relationship. We will have to wait an agonizing 7 months for the next installment. Ugh 😩!
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 STARS, HISTORICAL MURDER MYSTERY & LOVE

Carla Simpson gets 5 STARS for the well written Book 8 in her Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery plus provides a great BLURB also. Great characters, with some from previous books in this series, including Rupert the hound, are staple characters that keep this series moving along.

The author's ability to describe the locations gives the reader the sense of being there with the character in that space which gives the book more of an interesting experience.

This is one where Brodie is in trouble because that old problem from the past has finally caught up with him. The case he had left the metro police about. He is arrested & so they don't get to use each other to bounce ideas off of in this one. For this reason, I didn't find it as fluid or as fast paced as all the others up till now. It is still good because of the different ways used instead.

On to Book 9 with anticipation & sadness! I don't want this series to end.

RECOMMEND

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

I simply love this series. And one of the things that I love most (and there are quite a few) is that I never get bored. Every book is unique, every book adds another layer to the storyline/characters, every book leaves me waiting for more.

This one had two major reveals: the history behind Brodie’s decision to leave the Metropolitan Police ten years before, and the first serious disagreement between Brodie and Mikaela, leaving us to wonder how their relationship will proceed.

Simpson is a prolific writer, putting out books at a rapid pace…not sure how she does it, but I’m happy to reap the benefits. Her pace does not skimp on any of the elements that a good book should include. She’s a good writer, her main characters AND secondary cast are very well-fleshed out, the storylines are interesting and well-thought out, and her humor is always accounted for.

This book is another example of why I’m always excited to see the next one make an appearance.

[Deborah L. Sefton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I have the entire series. The mystery hits home to Brodie this time and it did keep me turning the pages. Many of the favorites are featured, Lily, the wacky rich aunt and especially Rupert who finally got a bath. So as far as the story goes, it does bring Michaela closer to the players at the Home Office and she basically solves the mystery with their help. Without hitting on spoilers, it would be tough to say much more than Brodie was a real jerk in this. We briefly got a bit of his point of view early on but then he pretty much is a a**hole. Usually I am slightly annoyed with Michaela but this time all my annoyance is at Brodie. I am so annoyed with Brodie that I am hoping to see Michaela revert back to her youthful wild ways for at least a few chapters in the next book. I think you need to read the previous books to fully appreciate the details of this one, but the author does a good job of giving brief recaps.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikaela and Brodie have quite the case in this story. They go about finding information differently as usual, but it becomes problematic when Brodie is accused of murder. Mikaela sets off to find the real killer and uncovers more than she expected. Abberline is out to get Brodie and it will take the connections of Sir Avery and her great-aunt Lady Montgomery to keep Brodie safe. Rupert, the hound, plays a big part in the story and adds a bit of humor to the story. There are all the emotions in this story that have you irritated at some characters and cheering for others. The ending is a bit bittersweet, but also gives hope for the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series is like visiting old friends and this story is no different. Mikaela and Brodie are caught in a murder 10 years old and a new one that is attached to the first. Watching Mikaela and Brodie work through their differences is painful, with both of them feeling they are right. The mystery itself leaves one guessing who the real villain is and if you weren’t angry at the Chief Inspector before…you will be after this! The climax is frightening, the aftermath excruciating and the ending is heartbreaking…but the author assures us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. A great mystery read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets within secrets
Ten years after Brodie protected a witness and had to leave the Metropolitan Police, the woman returns to London and contacts him because she thinks she is followed and her life and her son’s might be in danger. When she turns up dead, Brodie’s nemesis, Chief Inspector Abberline, will do anything to seek revenge and to bring charges against Brodie for her murder. Brodie has no other choice than to disappear. After their secret marriage, Mikaela will try, against Brodie’s wish, to prove his innocence. However, she has a lot of questions… such as, who is the boy’s father? Why a Brodie so reticent?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treachery and Murder

A woman witnesses a murder, and Brodie helps her to escape. Ten years later, she is back in London. It will cost her her life and Brodie his freedom. Accused of killing the woman, Brodie must find a way to prove his innocence. That will be difficult to do from inside a cell. He is lucky he has Mikaela, but he does not want her help. However, Mikaela will not stand idly by while her husband's life is on the line. Investigating murder is a deadly business. Will Mikaela survive the endeavor? What will happen between her and the stubborn Scot who has too much pride to accept help from anyone?

This story kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical mysteries. I look forward to what comes next in this series.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 8th in the series but the back ground is well covered for those who have not read any of this series before. Every time a new book in this series comes out, I put everything down to read it and this one is one of my favourites. The characters are always well developed and the storyline kept me turning the page. Although I did guess the murderer, I really enjoyed the build up. It had twists and turns, mystery, adventure, humor and angst. I enjoyed the why the book ended with a set up for a possible new series. . I received this as an ARC from Booksprout and freely give my review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a murder from ten years ago connected to a recent murder of a young woman? We learn the answer to that question and also what caused Brodie to leave the MET. Abberline has been out to get Brodie and this time he just might be able to do that when he accuses Brodie of murder. When Mikaela gets involved against Brodie's wishes, we see a rift between them begin.
This mystery kept be wondering what was going to happen, not if Brodie would be found innocent, but what was going to happen to my favorite couple.
This is a bit of a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have liked all the books in this series. Mikaela is a very bold and stubborn main character. Angus is a very protective and stubborn Scotsman. They are involved in solving a cold case and a recent murder. I really like the hound as he is almost a comic relief. I did figure out who the villain probably was fairly early on, but that didn’t diminish the drama. There definitely is a cliffhanger, although the current case is solved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to add to the series! It gives us some insight into history of Brodie. It also has more of Mikaela’s aunt and Lily-both characters I really like.

There is a lot of suspense as well as character depth. It is nonstop action and plot. It may have been my favorite, except for one part (which I will not elaborate on since it would ruin the book).

A definite one to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great installment in this series. Brodie continues to be obstinate and Mikaela stubborn. As she works to keep Brodie from being executed for murder, he is angry about her putting herself in danger. Then there is a little boy who might be his. Brodie's stubborness and anger causes a division between him and Mikaela. This story had a great written mystery to solve and the story really invokes feeling of sadness, anger and awe.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editing of this series is fairly poor, even from kindle unlimited. However, mixing up the murder victim's name with Abby (the doctor's assistant who has been misnamed as "Sarah" in at least two of the books) was really too much.

Also, not just in this book, but it often feels like the characters have the same conversation twice in the same chapter. Are these nanowrimo novels? And yet, in spite of all the flaws, I still finished the series.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much excitement happening in this story. The plot is thick with surprises. Readers will be gasping as they find themselves awed by the many ways the author finds to entertain them. Mikaela and Brodie are at their most intense in this story. Secrets will be spilled and lives put in jeopardy. This is a not to be missed story from the series.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book could have benefitted from MUCH better editing. Several grammatical errors, at least one minor timeline error, and characters’ names being mixed up.
I had to grit my teeth to get through the errors, but putting all that aside, I really enjoyed the book. I wouldn’t shout this book from the rooftops, but it was enough to keep me engaged and waiting for the next one