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Cady Delafield #2
A Burning Truth
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 40In 1881, the air in Chicago is rife with worker discontent, yet business titan Doyle Flanagan is hopeful for the future. He looks forward to a lifetime of peaceful bliss with Cady Delafield and leaving the wretched past behind. But his life is once again thrown into disarray when his office is vandalized and the night watchman viciously murdered. Clues lead to a powerful organized labor movement. Targeted in the press as anti-labor and with a big rally staged next door to his offices, Doyle must uncover the culprits before his wedding plans and his livelihood go up in smoke.
Plagued by memories of four brutal deaths, school director Cady Delafield is determined to drive the recent tragedies from her mind and enjoy being courted. Although his commanding personality threatens to overshadow her, Doyle Flanagan is the most dynamic man she’s ever met. When another tragedy unfolds placing him at the center, she takes action—action that could shatter her future dreams.
Plagued by memories of four brutal deaths, school director Cady Delafield is determined to drive the recent tragedies from her mind and enjoy being courted. Although his commanding personality threatens to overshadow her, Doyle Flanagan is the most dynamic man she’s ever met. When another tragedy unfolds placing him at the center, she takes action—action that could shatter her future dreams.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2140
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Proell
15 books250 followersAfter hearing countless extraordinary stories as a social worker and mental health therapist, Joyce Proell retired and writes her own made-up tales. The worlds of historical romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries are her bailiwick. Her books feature lively, determined women who are unafraid to challenge the status quo or confront a perplexing mystery. She is a 2015 RWA Hearts through History winner.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found with her husband and a sweet little dog at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie. To find out more about Joyce visit her website at www.joyceproell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 6, 2014
Historical fiction captures our imagination in a manner that contemporary fiction is simply unable to replicate. We read stories of those in the past hoping to gain some understanding of the world around them which informs the world around us. But what about when that world contains thievery, murder, and an impossible-to-please grandmother?
LONG STORY SHORT...
This is an enjoyable book written with clear knowledge of the time period and location in which it is set. A quizzical cast of characters slightly reminiscent of those in Pride and Prejudice kept me reading as I followed Cady and her suitor, Doyle, as they attempted to figure out just what happened in his warehouse. It is clear that Proell did her research and had fun with her characters, which made this book fun to read.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5.
LONG STORY
The Good
Cady is a lady that I'd like to meet. : ) A school administrator who is an unbreakable spirit and resolve, she finds herself in a situation where her suitor, a rather well-to-do man named Doyle, seems to be at the center of some kind of conspiracy to do him in. Employees are turning up dead. His offices were ransacked. People are deliberately plotting against him. Add to this the fact that Cady comes with a rather....dramatic family and it is a wonder that Doyle wasn't written as having an ulcer from stress.
Anyway, back to Cady - she is determined to not have to be supported by a man. Living at a time where a woman working outside the home if she had any social standing whatsoever was nearly unheard of, she rather distresses her grandmother by not only holding a job, but by seeking a living abode out from under her grandmother's obnoxious, overbearing thumb. No one will control her, especially not Doyle. But what will she do when helping a student finds her stuck right in the middle of the aforementioned conspiracy against Doyle?
Have I piqued your interest enough? The two main characters were well-crafted....oh, and we get to hear the story from both of their points of view as well. This sounds like quite the task, but Proell makes it look easy. Text flows seamlessly between the two point of views, partly because each point of view takes turns telling a chapter. I liked it.
I also liked the fact that it is very clear that Proell did her research when writing this book. Not just in a "I'm gonna look online a little and figure a few things out and then just go with it" kind of way, but in a way that actually makes it feel as though you are stepping into history a bit. Labor union battles, local politics, etc. If this book were a movie, it would clearly be in black-and-white.
Imagine that "Chicago" meets Pride and Prejudice meets Little Women and you kind of have the feel of this book.
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
I enjoyed this book, but also had some significant issues with it.
First, the characters, although well-crafted, are a little flat in places. That said, this "bugly" feels very much like it exists because this is the second in a series. I've got a pesky feeling that their histories and back stories are developed really well in the first book (which I haven't read), and that in order to fully appreciate their situation here, one must read the first book. This isn't generally a problem - just something to be aware of. Not having read the first book certainly detracted from my reading here, especially as the story in the first book was constantly referenced.
Second, sentence construction awkward is in many places. I found myself having to pause and re-read sentences with an alarming frequency. This may just be Proell's writing style with this series, in which case it is just one that doesn't mesh incredibly well with my brain.
Third, I had a hard time really getting into this book. It was easy for me to just put down and ignore for awhile. I'm not saying it is a bad book, so please don't read me this way. I'm just saying that for me it wasn't the most intriguing thing on the planet.
LONG STORY SHORT...
This is an enjoyable book written with clear knowledge of the time period and location in which it is set. A quizzical cast of characters slightly reminiscent of those in Pride and Prejudice kept me reading as I followed Cady and her suitor, Doyle, as they attempted to figure out just what happened in his warehouse. It is clear that Proell did her research and had fun with her characters, which made this book fun to read.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5.
LONG STORY
The Good
Cady is a lady that I'd like to meet. : ) A school administrator who is an unbreakable spirit and resolve, she finds herself in a situation where her suitor, a rather well-to-do man named Doyle, seems to be at the center of some kind of conspiracy to do him in. Employees are turning up dead. His offices were ransacked. People are deliberately plotting against him. Add to this the fact that Cady comes with a rather....dramatic family and it is a wonder that Doyle wasn't written as having an ulcer from stress.
Anyway, back to Cady - she is determined to not have to be supported by a man. Living at a time where a woman working outside the home if she had any social standing whatsoever was nearly unheard of, she rather distresses her grandmother by not only holding a job, but by seeking a living abode out from under her grandmother's obnoxious, overbearing thumb. No one will control her, especially not Doyle. But what will she do when helping a student finds her stuck right in the middle of the aforementioned conspiracy against Doyle?
Have I piqued your interest enough? The two main characters were well-crafted....oh, and we get to hear the story from both of their points of view as well. This sounds like quite the task, but Proell makes it look easy. Text flows seamlessly between the two point of views, partly because each point of view takes turns telling a chapter. I liked it.
I also liked the fact that it is very clear that Proell did her research when writing this book. Not just in a "I'm gonna look online a little and figure a few things out and then just go with it" kind of way, but in a way that actually makes it feel as though you are stepping into history a bit. Labor union battles, local politics, etc. If this book were a movie, it would clearly be in black-and-white.
Imagine that "Chicago" meets Pride and Prejudice meets Little Women and you kind of have the feel of this book.
The Bugly (bad/ugly)
I enjoyed this book, but also had some significant issues with it.
First, the characters, although well-crafted, are a little flat in places. That said, this "bugly" feels very much like it exists because this is the second in a series. I've got a pesky feeling that their histories and back stories are developed really well in the first book (which I haven't read), and that in order to fully appreciate their situation here, one must read the first book. This isn't generally a problem - just something to be aware of. Not having read the first book certainly detracted from my reading here, especially as the story in the first book was constantly referenced.
Second, sentence construction awkward is in many places. I found myself having to pause and re-read sentences with an alarming frequency. This may just be Proell's writing style with this series, in which case it is just one that doesn't mesh incredibly well with my brain.
Third, I had a hard time really getting into this book. It was easy for me to just put down and ignore for awhile. I'm not saying it is a bad book, so please don't read me this way. I'm just saying that for me it wasn't the most intriguing thing on the planet.
October 8, 2017
A Burning Truth is Little Women meets Sherlock Holmes in 1881 Chicago (though it may take more than one character to equal the sleuthing ability of Sherlock, the gist of this statement remains true).
Cady Delafield, a strong-willed, sometimes bull-headed, school administrator, and her romantic partner, Doyle Flanagan, a shipping mogul who made his fortune rebuilding Chicago after the Great Fire in 1871, find their relationship suffering due to the murder and mayhem that seems to also have a special affection for Doyle. Even though the couple’s first meeting happened over a dead body in Cady’s office (in A Deadly Truth, the first book of the Cady Delafield Mystery series), both had hoped to put the tragedy behind them. The discovery of another gruesome murder forces Cady to extremes in defense of Doyle’s good name and finds Doyle scrambling to solve a murder, save his business, and, at the same time, protect Cady from the trauma currently surrounded his life. The burning truth may be that Cady can more easily handle the emotional turmoil of a murder mystery than facing the possibility of giving up her independence for a man, even a man she so passionately desires.
Though A Burning Truth is the second book the Cady Delafield Mystery series, a fact I was unaware of when I chose to read this book, the storyline, told in third-person limited and alternating in the perspectives of our two main characters, stands well on its own. Choosing which is the main plot, however, can be confusing. If Cady is viewed as the main character, then the main plot is a love story interrupted by a murder. If Doyle is our main, then the plot is a murder mystery that includes the parallel-plot of a love story. Doyle is the one digging into the mystery of the burglary of his business and the subsequent murder of his security guard. Doyle’s nemesis, Chief Inspector Middendorf is also investigating the case which only adds to Doyle’s frustrations. He doubts Middendorf has any real motivation to solve the crime that is threatening his business, his reputation, and his relationship with Cady. I personally found the murder mystery focus to be the more enjoyable and more skillfully written plot-line to follow.
Overall, I think that this book would be found enjoyable by those who enjoyed reading Little Women. I personally found no attachment to Cady’s character and found the dramatic language to be draining during scenes from her perspective. I found the same fault with the revered classic Little Women which means this is simply an issue of my personal tastes and by no means the fault of the Proell’s writing style. I did, however, enjoy Doyle and the murder mystery story-line which made setting aside my own prejudices towards the character of Cady worth it.
Cady Delafield, a strong-willed, sometimes bull-headed, school administrator, and her romantic partner, Doyle Flanagan, a shipping mogul who made his fortune rebuilding Chicago after the Great Fire in 1871, find their relationship suffering due to the murder and mayhem that seems to also have a special affection for Doyle. Even though the couple’s first meeting happened over a dead body in Cady’s office (in A Deadly Truth, the first book of the Cady Delafield Mystery series), both had hoped to put the tragedy behind them. The discovery of another gruesome murder forces Cady to extremes in defense of Doyle’s good name and finds Doyle scrambling to solve a murder, save his business, and, at the same time, protect Cady from the trauma currently surrounded his life. The burning truth may be that Cady can more easily handle the emotional turmoil of a murder mystery than facing the possibility of giving up her independence for a man, even a man she so passionately desires.
Though A Burning Truth is the second book the Cady Delafield Mystery series, a fact I was unaware of when I chose to read this book, the storyline, told in third-person limited and alternating in the perspectives of our two main characters, stands well on its own. Choosing which is the main plot, however, can be confusing. If Cady is viewed as the main character, then the main plot is a love story interrupted by a murder. If Doyle is our main, then the plot is a murder mystery that includes the parallel-plot of a love story. Doyle is the one digging into the mystery of the burglary of his business and the subsequent murder of his security guard. Doyle’s nemesis, Chief Inspector Middendorf is also investigating the case which only adds to Doyle’s frustrations. He doubts Middendorf has any real motivation to solve the crime that is threatening his business, his reputation, and his relationship with Cady. I personally found the murder mystery focus to be the more enjoyable and more skillfully written plot-line to follow.
Overall, I think that this book would be found enjoyable by those who enjoyed reading Little Women. I personally found no attachment to Cady’s character and found the dramatic language to be draining during scenes from her perspective. I found the same fault with the revered classic Little Women which means this is simply an issue of my personal tastes and by no means the fault of the Proell’s writing style. I did, however, enjoy Doyle and the murder mystery story-line which made setting aside my own prejudices towards the character of Cady worth it.
October 29, 2017
Doyle Flanagan is yet again thrust into the center of controversy. Two murders and a theft occur at his factory, seemingly tied to the International Worker’s Party. With union rumblings nearing an eruption, Doyle and Cady must solve the mystery behind the factory murders. They must discover the puppet master who is pulling the strings before everything comes unraveled. The dialogue was a bit wordy at times and felt a bit forced. As a standalone, it fell a bit flat, so be sure to read it as part of the series.
November 14, 2018
Cady Delafield has become one of my favorite fiction heroines. On the other hand, Doyle makes my heart thump. A hero to fall for! Joyce Proell does such a great job of putting you in the era. In this second book, Cady and Doyle are heading toward their wedding day but there is all kind of murder and mayhem to get in their way. A totally enjoyable read.
February 24, 2014
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
A Burning Truth, Book 2 in the Cady Delafield Mystery Series. I must say I really liked this book and series and hopefully it will continue with Cady and Doyle whose characters are fascinating, ever growing to make this a wonderful book.
The book continued with these two lovers as more mystery and mayhem followed them during the 1880 in Chicago, ten years after the great fire that wrecked the city. This time, with all the murder and deceit going on around them the focus was more on the relationship between this couple than in Book 1. I would recommend that you read Book 1 first in order to understand the complexities and thinking of both characters and how they met.
With the one a traditionalist and the other progressive in their thinking; will they find a common ground? That remains to be seen, maybe book 3. Dare I hope **smile**.
Their characters were both strong willed, independent in their ways with Cady testing Doyle's resolve at every chance she could get. Always risking her own safety without thinking which had Doyle in up and arms more often then what he would have liked. Making this a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The believable relationship allowed you to relate with both. Cady's growing stubbornness to be her own woman, making her own mark in the world while doing what she loved; helping people was the center of the plot. Doyle stubborn, bossy, protector and hopelessly in love with Cady was more then once tested with her antics. Both had to come to a place where they were willing to compromise in order for them to be more then a couple. What I like most in this book was the attraction they felt for each other that made for some heated moments although they never went to far but you could feel the sizzling temperature rising between them with each encounter.
With the rising tension of workers and the growing union during this time; murder was once again the topic that brought Middendorf back into the story. Obnoxious pompous ass...sorry **smile**. His character was well defined and I for one didn't like the man's attitude, but it did make him a brilliant character for the role he'd played. Finding clues seemed not to be on his list as he continued thinking that Doyle was the villain in it all. Not willing to let go of his arrogant ways. Leaving Doyle to fend for himself, seeking the culprits who wanted to destroy him and his hard work that leads to some interesting scenes and supporting characters. Making the plot intriguing and colorful.
The relationship between Ophelia and Cady also had more prominence as their battle continues and you couldn't help but see the similarities between these two women as the story unfolded. So a like but yet so far apart in their ways but when they finally sat down and talked I was surprised with the turn of events.
Again one of her family was in danger but this time Cady refused to get involved informing them that their choices would lead to heart ache; as with Grace in Book 1 where she saw the devastation her interference caused. But that didn't stop her to unmask the villain in any case, she just changed her tactics. Clever woman this one. Even struggling with the after effects from the previous murders it didn't cause her to back down and take it easier.
A great story that I refused to put down and hopefully you would agree with me. I am looking forward to learn more about this couple and how they would resolve their differences amidst life and its many curve balls.
Were there a happy ending? Yes, but it did leave some questions prompting me to believe that is wasn't over...I hope... fingers cross.
Thanks for a great read.
A Burning Truth, Book 2 in the Cady Delafield Mystery Series. I must say I really liked this book and series and hopefully it will continue with Cady and Doyle whose characters are fascinating, ever growing to make this a wonderful book.
The book continued with these two lovers as more mystery and mayhem followed them during the 1880 in Chicago, ten years after the great fire that wrecked the city. This time, with all the murder and deceit going on around them the focus was more on the relationship between this couple than in Book 1. I would recommend that you read Book 1 first in order to understand the complexities and thinking of both characters and how they met.
With the one a traditionalist and the other progressive in their thinking; will they find a common ground? That remains to be seen, maybe book 3. Dare I hope **smile**.
Their characters were both strong willed, independent in their ways with Cady testing Doyle's resolve at every chance she could get. Always risking her own safety without thinking which had Doyle in up and arms more often then what he would have liked. Making this a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The believable relationship allowed you to relate with both. Cady's growing stubbornness to be her own woman, making her own mark in the world while doing what she loved; helping people was the center of the plot. Doyle stubborn, bossy, protector and hopelessly in love with Cady was more then once tested with her antics. Both had to come to a place where they were willing to compromise in order for them to be more then a couple. What I like most in this book was the attraction they felt for each other that made for some heated moments although they never went to far but you could feel the sizzling temperature rising between them with each encounter.
With the rising tension of workers and the growing union during this time; murder was once again the topic that brought Middendorf back into the story. Obnoxious pompous ass...sorry **smile**. His character was well defined and I for one didn't like the man's attitude, but it did make him a brilliant character for the role he'd played. Finding clues seemed not to be on his list as he continued thinking that Doyle was the villain in it all. Not willing to let go of his arrogant ways. Leaving Doyle to fend for himself, seeking the culprits who wanted to destroy him and his hard work that leads to some interesting scenes and supporting characters. Making the plot intriguing and colorful.
The relationship between Ophelia and Cady also had more prominence as their battle continues and you couldn't help but see the similarities between these two women as the story unfolded. So a like but yet so far apart in their ways but when they finally sat down and talked I was surprised with the turn of events.
Again one of her family was in danger but this time Cady refused to get involved informing them that their choices would lead to heart ache; as with Grace in Book 1 where she saw the devastation her interference caused. But that didn't stop her to unmask the villain in any case, she just changed her tactics. Clever woman this one. Even struggling with the after effects from the previous murders it didn't cause her to back down and take it easier.
A great story that I refused to put down and hopefully you would agree with me. I am looking forward to learn more about this couple and how they would resolve their differences amidst life and its many curve balls.
Were there a happy ending? Yes, but it did leave some questions prompting me to believe that is wasn't over...I hope... fingers cross.
Thanks for a great read.
February 7, 2014
First of all, I did read the first book, and I honestly recommend that these books be read in order. While this book can stand alone, a reader who does not know the first story may struggle to fully comprehend the book. There are several references that could potentially confuse the uninformed reader.
That being said, permit me to commend the author on book two of this series. I don't always prefer sequels, but sometimes I do. And this is one such case. Joyce Proell has written two strong characters who are sheer delight together. I appreciated the way in which Doyle and Cady interacted, and I found myself cheering for Cady every time she stood up for herself and who she truly was. Cady's mother and grandmother surprised me, but Addison Brown was absolutely no surprise at all. The mystery kept me going till the end, and the romance was often red-hot. I truly felt transported to the time period, and controversial issues (women working and homosexuality) were explored in a civilized, fair way.
As to the negatives, they mere quite inconsequential. There was some profanity, and I could have done without it. But because it was minimal, I was able to tolerate it. The bedroom scenes were not consummated, and embarrassing details were left out. I did not skim through the physical times with Doyle and Cady, and I even relished those moments between the two of them. Yes, there is a homosexual character, but that area is never overstated. In fact, due to the time period, it was hidden, and so again, I was not offended.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
That being said, permit me to commend the author on book two of this series. I don't always prefer sequels, but sometimes I do. And this is one such case. Joyce Proell has written two strong characters who are sheer delight together. I appreciated the way in which Doyle and Cady interacted, and I found myself cheering for Cady every time she stood up for herself and who she truly was. Cady's mother and grandmother surprised me, but Addison Brown was absolutely no surprise at all. The mystery kept me going till the end, and the romance was often red-hot. I truly felt transported to the time period, and controversial issues (women working and homosexuality) were explored in a civilized, fair way.
As to the negatives, they mere quite inconsequential. There was some profanity, and I could have done without it. But because it was minimal, I was able to tolerate it. The bedroom scenes were not consummated, and embarrassing details were left out. I did not skim through the physical times with Doyle and Cady, and I even relished those moments between the two of them. Yes, there is a homosexual character, but that area is never overstated. In fact, due to the time period, it was hidden, and so again, I was not offended.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
February 19, 2014
Progressive Cady Delafield believes in workers’ rights and independence for women. She’s falling in love with handsome Doyle Flanagan, but fears his take-charge attitude means he will try to tell her what she can think and cannot do if they marry. When he backs away from their engagement, she’s convinced she’s right.
Self-made businessman Doyle Flanagan believes he has proved himself to be a fair, even-tempered man despite his Irish ancestry. When his elderly night watchman is murdered brutally, he knows someone is trying to ruin him. He also knows his name is at the top of Chief Inspector Middendorf’s list of suspects, and the Chicago copper has no inclination to ferret out the truth.
Doyle’s only option is to take charge. The International Workers Party is organizing his workers to strike, rather than talk. He loves Cady’s feisty idealism as much as the caress of her soft skin, but she seems oblivious to the dangers swirling about. Ultimatums seem like the only way to keep her safe until he can unmask the murderer—and his sinister motives.
Doyle hopes for a second chance to win Cady’s heart. And Cady is about to discover that hot-tempered couples can have a lifetime of passion.
This historical mystery weaves a vivid tapestry of life in 1881 Chicago, and the class clashes of privileged gentry, the newly-rich, and struggling workers. It is mildly sensual and highly entertaining.
Self-made businessman Doyle Flanagan believes he has proved himself to be a fair, even-tempered man despite his Irish ancestry. When his elderly night watchman is murdered brutally, he knows someone is trying to ruin him. He also knows his name is at the top of Chief Inspector Middendorf’s list of suspects, and the Chicago copper has no inclination to ferret out the truth.
Doyle’s only option is to take charge. The International Workers Party is organizing his workers to strike, rather than talk. He loves Cady’s feisty idealism as much as the caress of her soft skin, but she seems oblivious to the dangers swirling about. Ultimatums seem like the only way to keep her safe until he can unmask the murderer—and his sinister motives.
Doyle hopes for a second chance to win Cady’s heart. And Cady is about to discover that hot-tempered couples can have a lifetime of passion.
This historical mystery weaves a vivid tapestry of life in 1881 Chicago, and the class clashes of privileged gentry, the newly-rich, and struggling workers. It is mildly sensual and highly entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2014
I must say that this is a captivating mystery with some really great and fun characters. Cady and Doyle are wonderful main characters so meant for each other that it is obvious by the way they play off of one another. I absolutely loved that this was a historical fiction. A Burning Truth held my attention through the entire story leaving me wanting to know more! I think this is a great series and definitely one that I could see myself getting lost in very easily. I am confidant that once you read about Cady and Doyle you will become hooked as well. Joyce Proell could write historical fiction/mystery suspense for me any time as I so enjoyed her style of writing.This series is a keeper!
October 4, 2020
Joyce ramps up the mystery in the second book of the Cady series. Cady and Doyle don’t seem to catch a break. While Cady is plagued with memories of death, she focuses on her job and enjoy her courtship with Doyle. Unfortunately, Doyle’s business becomes involved in the 1881 worker discontent and Cady and Doyle are back into solving the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews