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Catriona Winters #2
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Her dreams of reporting crushed and a marriage proposal looming over her, Catriona struggles to fit back into her dreary life in fashionable society.
Charitable work is her only occupation now. But all too well, because when the impoverished children of Spitalfields stumble upon a corpse, shot dead and abandoned, Catriona cannot very well ignore it—not when the inspector leading the murder inquiry is none other than Marlowe.
Pulled in opposite directions by obligation and ambition, Catriona is drawn back into the winding laneways of a darker side of London. But that darkness shrouds more than one mystery, and with it an abyss of secrets that soon threatens to drown her.
Charitable work is her only occupation now. But all too well, because when the impoverished children of Spitalfields stumble upon a corpse, shot dead and abandoned, Catriona cannot very well ignore it—not when the inspector leading the murder inquiry is none other than Marlowe.
Pulled in opposite directions by obligation and ambition, Catriona is drawn back into the winding laneways of a darker side of London. But that darkness shrouds more than one mystery, and with it an abyss of secrets that soon threatens to drown her.
325 pages, ebook
Published April 15, 2024
165 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Duke
2 books63 followersIsabella Duke lives and writes in Sydney, Australia. For news on forthcoming books, visit her online at www.isabella-duke.com or connect with her on Instagram at isabelladuke.author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 9, 2024
this book stirred my Soul...
This book stirred my soul. It is beyond a well developed historical novel. The characters are well developed to the point that micro physical movements sustain the characterization. It is the mystical thoughts of the main female character that I could relate to, as she can 'see' in her mind's eye 2 possible future's based on her childhood and current life. Most writer's usually present it to the reader in context to the reader that the character is trying to make a choice. In this book the author present's it to us through a misty visual of multiple futures with different endings. A very creative technique that stirred my soul and drew me into the story further. Perhaps in future books the author will provide what actually happened when Catriona's mother fell into the sea...this traumatic life event has developed Catriona's character and life view. Thank you Ms. Duke for such a captivating creative novel.
This book stirred my soul. It is beyond a well developed historical novel. The characters are well developed to the point that micro physical movements sustain the characterization. It is the mystical thoughts of the main female character that I could relate to, as she can 'see' in her mind's eye 2 possible future's based on her childhood and current life. Most writer's usually present it to the reader in context to the reader that the character is trying to make a choice. In this book the author present's it to us through a misty visual of multiple futures with different endings. A very creative technique that stirred my soul and drew me into the story further. Perhaps in future books the author will provide what actually happened when Catriona's mother fell into the sea...this traumatic life event has developed Catriona's character and life view. Thank you Ms. Duke for such a captivating creative novel.
August 18, 2025
Good second in this series about a young woman seeking meaning in her life within the restrictive bounds placed on women in 1880's London. Unrequited love, abandonment, loyalty, and family bonds are woven throughout the mystery.
February 8, 2025
2.5 really but tea
February 28, 2025
One of the best books that I have read in a while
This book was such a surprise, and delightfully so.
Everything about it was spot on: the characterizations were well-developed. The pacing was just right. There was a lot going on in this story on so many fronts, yet most of the time the transitions were so flawless that it didn’t feel awkward, moving from one aspect of the plot to another.
The writing was so good. Catriona’s introspection was realistic, deep and authentic. To be able to read a novel and follow along the character’s thoughts without getting bugged down, was simply marvelous. The author was able to present “Kitty” in such a frail and human way, while also displaying Catriona’s desire to be seen and heard, to be valued as a person beyond the dictates of society’s strictly enforced limitations for women at that time. I absolutely enjoyed how Catriona dealt so politely with everyone that she met regardless of their social status. Paul reflects that no one else in the world does so—and it is quite meaningful for him. However, it is simply central to who she is—Catriona’s demonstrating her ability to recognize the dignity in all people. it was endearing, and I liked her so much more for it. Another way in which the author brings her character to life.
The only confusion I felt was because I did not read or cannot recall having read the first book in the series. To avoid those bits of confusion, I would suggest the reader begin with the first book: this book is not a good standalone novel.
The author artfully shares a story of mystery and intrigue, but with an energy often not found in the second and/or subsequent novels in a series. There is still so much that Catriona and Thomas do not know of each other, even as they are continually thrust together in solving the puzzles and crimes behind several deaths in the story.
I absolutely loved this book. It is so hard to find good writing, strong and authentic characterizations, and plot development that allows us to witness people dealing with their inner demons facing forward, without feeling that somehow they are “less than.”
I look forward to reading more by this author and recommend this book without reservation.
This book was such a surprise, and delightfully so.
Everything about it was spot on: the characterizations were well-developed. The pacing was just right. There was a lot going on in this story on so many fronts, yet most of the time the transitions were so flawless that it didn’t feel awkward, moving from one aspect of the plot to another.
The writing was so good. Catriona’s introspection was realistic, deep and authentic. To be able to read a novel and follow along the character’s thoughts without getting bugged down, was simply marvelous. The author was able to present “Kitty” in such a frail and human way, while also displaying Catriona’s desire to be seen and heard, to be valued as a person beyond the dictates of society’s strictly enforced limitations for women at that time. I absolutely enjoyed how Catriona dealt so politely with everyone that she met regardless of their social status. Paul reflects that no one else in the world does so—and it is quite meaningful for him. However, it is simply central to who she is—Catriona’s demonstrating her ability to recognize the dignity in all people. it was endearing, and I liked her so much more for it. Another way in which the author brings her character to life.
The only confusion I felt was because I did not read or cannot recall having read the first book in the series. To avoid those bits of confusion, I would suggest the reader begin with the first book: this book is not a good standalone novel.
The author artfully shares a story of mystery and intrigue, but with an energy often not found in the second and/or subsequent novels in a series. There is still so much that Catriona and Thomas do not know of each other, even as they are continually thrust together in solving the puzzles and crimes behind several deaths in the story.
I absolutely loved this book. It is so hard to find good writing, strong and authentic characterizations, and plot development that allows us to witness people dealing with their inner demons facing forward, without feeling that somehow they are “less than.”
I look forward to reading more by this author and recommend this book without reservation.
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January 20, 2025Unrated
This is book two in the series. I read book one and I struggled with it. I decided to give it one more try with this one. I am at chapter 17, so at least halfway through and I don't think I will be able to finish. I am still struggling to like the main character Kitty. I feel like I should have more sympathy/understanding for her but I don't. Besides, she does things in this book that just does not make sense to me. And she still has that hypocritical behavior.
This series just doesn't seem to be for me. (I might add to this review later.)
CONTENT:
This is book two in the series. I read book one and I struggled with it. I decided to give it one more try with this one. I am at chapter 17, so at least halfway through and I don't think I will be able to finish. I am still struggling to like the main character Kitty. I feel like I should have more sympathy/understanding for her but I don't. Besides, she does things in this book that just does not make sense to me. And she still has that hypocritical behavior.
This series just doesn't seem to be for me. (I might add to this review later.)
CONTENT:
May 12, 2025
I jumped right into this one after closing the cover on A Skeleton in Every House, and I confess after the first evening I was a bit unsettled and had an awful time going to sleep. I think I was angry. Angry that the author took away Catriona's voice and that she accepted her fate. Then the more I thought about it the more I realized this was part of the character's growth. Accepting reality, understanding consequences.
Truth be told, it's been an awfully long time since a book has captivated me to the point of vibrating in the emotions it conjured up in ME! I want Catriona to find her voice again and the steel for her spine, and by the time I was closing the cover on this installment of her story, it was with a sense that she is on her way. And....I'm very ready for things to heat up a bit more with Inspector Thomas Marlowe!
Oh...and for the record, I'm not that person, you know the one who buys the book for it's cover, but WOW, the author nailed it with the covers for this series!
Truth be told, it's been an awfully long time since a book has captivated me to the point of vibrating in the emotions it conjured up in ME! I want Catriona to find her voice again and the steel for her spine, and by the time I was closing the cover on this installment of her story, it was with a sense that she is on her way. And....I'm very ready for things to heat up a bit more with Inspector Thomas Marlowe!
Oh...and for the record, I'm not that person, you know the one who buys the book for it's cover, but WOW, the author nailed it with the covers for this series!
November 5, 2025
2 1/2
Felt more like fan-fiction than murder mystery over the course. Still very well written
Felt more like fan-fiction than murder mystery over the course. Still very well written
March 8, 2025
Beautifully written struggle of an introvert
These two Catriona Winters books are captivating. This heroine is not your typically written feminist before her time. She is constantly struggling to understand why she feels so empty. The author beautifully captures what it feels like to wrestle with past trauma when you're too close to the situation to analyse and understand why you struggle. She describes panic attacks without Catriona having a word for them which I assume is what it must have been like before we had the mental health awareness we have now.
The author also surrounds Catroina with different relationships that display her fears of herself. She is closed off from revealing too much of herself because she is afraid of just how broken she is, yet she desperately wants to be fully loved and accepted. Each person she interacts with unbeknownst to them is poking and prodding at her layers and insecurities and we get to see her recoil or unwind depending on how much she trusts them. She is passionate but introverted, and while she may not say much, we get to watch her bloom or wilt from every reaction. Her love story with the detective is going to be a beautiful and torturous slow burn while they both desperately try to avoid hurt. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK THREE!!
These two Catriona Winters books are captivating. This heroine is not your typically written feminist before her time. She is constantly struggling to understand why she feels so empty. The author beautifully captures what it feels like to wrestle with past trauma when you're too close to the situation to analyse and understand why you struggle. She describes panic attacks without Catriona having a word for them which I assume is what it must have been like before we had the mental health awareness we have now.
The author also surrounds Catroina with different relationships that display her fears of herself. She is closed off from revealing too much of herself because she is afraid of just how broken she is, yet she desperately wants to be fully loved and accepted. Each person she interacts with unbeknownst to them is poking and prodding at her layers and insecurities and we get to see her recoil or unwind depending on how much she trusts them. She is passionate but introverted, and while she may not say much, we get to watch her bloom or wilt from every reaction. Her love story with the detective is going to be a beautiful and torturous slow burn while they both desperately try to avoid hurt. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK THREE!!
May 31, 2024
I so loved this book. The first book in this series was so good, that when I saw that there was a book two, I was really excited. If I may say so, I genuinely hope there will be a book three.
There was so much happening in this story, many twists and turns and happy moments and very sad moments. I actually cried during the part where Catriona met Nate at the train.
The relationship between Catriona and Marlowe remains very complex and I'm hoping that in the next book, they will be together in the true sense of two people who are in love.
The descriptions of place, time, location, the smells and the sights were so well written that I felt like I was there, experiencing everything myself.
Isabella Duke is an exceptional author and I can't wait to see what she does next!
There was so much happening in this story, many twists and turns and happy moments and very sad moments. I actually cried during the part where Catriona met Nate at the train.
The relationship between Catriona and Marlowe remains very complex and I'm hoping that in the next book, they will be together in the true sense of two people who are in love.
The descriptions of place, time, location, the smells and the sights were so well written that I felt like I was there, experiencing everything myself.
Isabella Duke is an exceptional author and I can't wait to see what she does next!
November 23, 2024
Such An Authentic Victorian Detective Story
Catriona is a well heeled young, society woman with a tumultuous desire within herself. She want to be seen for who she is, an intelligent woman with a curious mind who knows how to find answers…but she lives in an era of accute propriety and knows she must do as her Papa decrees. But thankfully the household staff is discreet and if she must lie about her comings and going’s well, why not? Beautifully drawn characters with complex lives, realistic descriptions of the London social divisions, and tantalizing romance. An enjoyable story.
Catriona is a well heeled young, society woman with a tumultuous desire within herself. She want to be seen for who she is, an intelligent woman with a curious mind who knows how to find answers…but she lives in an era of accute propriety and knows she must do as her Papa decrees. But thankfully the household staff is discreet and if she must lie about her comings and going’s well, why not? Beautifully drawn characters with complex lives, realistic descriptions of the London social divisions, and tantalizing romance. An enjoyable story.
October 8, 2024
I liked many things about this mystery but Catriona’s abdication of independence is not realistic. Her character does not ring true to the character in the first novel. And don’t get me started on Marlow. “Command me”? Is this an invasion of unrevealed body snatchers? Who are these people who are so willing to compromise the core of their belief systems for a drug addicted ne’er do well? They have worked so hard for everything they have and it isn’t realistic that Marlow would so readily chuck it all when they have no overt relationship. Really, really disappointing
October 6, 2024
Duke is masterful!
It took me less than two full days to read the first two books in this series. I say first two with the sincere hope there will be more. But to right books this good, this true to heart, takes time. The characters are rich and full of life as it truly is. Happiness cannot come or be truly respected if there is as no grief. Isabella Duke is an amazing writer. I encourage everyone to read her books and enjoy them as much as I.
It took me less than two full days to read the first two books in this series. I say first two with the sincere hope there will be more. But to right books this good, this true to heart, takes time. The characters are rich and full of life as it truly is. Happiness cannot come or be truly respected if there is as no grief. Isabella Duke is an amazing writer. I encourage everyone to read her books and enjoy them as much as I.
June 9, 2025
I enjoyed the first two books of the series and look forward to the third. Each of the lead characters has secrets, psychological or otherwise, which prevent them from acting on their impulses and are separate issues from the crimes they set out to solve. Catriona's personal interactions with suspects, and their connections, takes the story beyond a mere who-done-it into a more emotionally compelling realm. Catriona's love life, or lack of, is also intriguing.
October 28, 2024
In a genre filled with mediocre writers churning out books like cheap T-shirts, this author was such a pleasant surprise! It has a great plot, fascinating characters, and an incredibly angsty slow burn romance. But best of all, the author is a GREAT WRITER. Definitely following her to stay updated on all of the future books!
December 11, 2024
An unexpectedly good read
I could hardly put the books down. The characters are well developed and the story told is realistic. Both books in the series are well written. I love the draw of Catriona to Thomas. As well as the struggle to discover one’s own feelings and the desire to be seen and loved as one is.
I could hardly put the books down. The characters are well developed and the story told is realistic. Both books in the series are well written. I love the draw of Catriona to Thomas. As well as the struggle to discover one’s own feelings and the desire to be seen and loved as one is.
January 25, 2025
I liked it
Despite feeling the end was a bit rushed, I enjoyed this book immensely, it crushed me at times, but it was honest and true to what these characters would do. Like I said, I felt a bit disappointed that it seemed like parts had been cut from the end (just how it felt reading it). I simply cannot wait for the next book!
Despite feeling the end was a bit rushed, I enjoyed this book immensely, it crushed me at times, but it was honest and true to what these characters would do. Like I said, I felt a bit disappointed that it seemed like parts had been cut from the end (just how it felt reading it). I simply cannot wait for the next book!
July 15, 2025
This wasn't as good as the first book in the series, I felt like Catriona was acting OOC for her original portrayal, but overall the resolution was decent. If the author were to write a third book in the series I would definitely read it as there are some loose ends I would be interested in seeing resolved.
August 20, 2025
Secrets
Back in the 1800's the police had a much harder time at solving crimes than we do presently. Without anyway of preserving or sharing of evidence left many crimes unsolved. I enjoyed our two lead characters becoming closer in their attempts to mind read each others thoughts of a possible love connection.
Back in the 1800's the police had a much harder time at solving crimes than we do presently. Without anyway of preserving or sharing of evidence left many crimes unsolved. I enjoyed our two lead characters becoming closer in their attempts to mind read each others thoughts of a possible love connection.
April 20, 2024
Evocative, thoroughly researched and written in a way that blends romance and mystery beautifully together. Interesting and exciting at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing what awaits Catriona in the next story!
September 20, 2024
Enjoyed these 2 books
Book 2 is as enjoyable a read as book 1 in this series. I am looking forward to book 3. I enjoy mystery and history and these 2 books have both. Well written and held my interest through the entire book.
Book 2 is as enjoyable a read as book 1 in this series. I am looking forward to book 3. I enjoy mystery and history and these 2 books have both. Well written and held my interest through the entire book.
September 25, 2024
great plot and character building
This historical romance goes beyond the typical formula with accurate socioeconomic details and multidimensional characters. The plot keeps you in suspense most of the book. Well done.
This historical romance goes beyond the typical formula with accurate socioeconomic details and multidimensional characters. The plot keeps you in suspense most of the book. Well done.
March 14, 2025
Heartfelt
Catriona is a smart woman of her time and is constricted to the rules of society. This novel is heartfelt and reminiscent of a time where there was little to no choices for women. I can't wait for Isabella Duke's next installment of the series.
Catriona is a smart woman of her time and is constricted to the rules of society. This novel is heartfelt and reminiscent of a time where there was little to no choices for women. I can't wait for Isabella Duke's next installment of the series.
June 11, 2024
I was looking forward to the sequel and it did not disappoint. Again, I could not put it down once I started. Can’t wait for the next book in the series, I need to know what happens next!
September 11, 2024
Hope There’s More of This Wonderful Series
With characters worth caring about, imagery that resonates, and plot twists galore, the Catriona Winters series is an A+ read!
With characters worth caring about, imagery that resonates, and plot twists galore, the Catriona Winters series is an A+ read!
October 14, 2024
Better than the first book, but the characters don't feel genuine.
November 5, 2024
great read
Thoroughly enjoyable 2 book series. Great characterisation and good story lines.
Really brought to life London in 19th century with good historical detail.
Thoroughly enjoyable 2 book series. Great characterisation and good story lines.
Really brought to life London in 19th century with good historical detail.
December 12, 2024
Is there a book 3?
This was lovely, the characters are just so real, that it is so easy to feel you know them. Loved this book Leo hope there is a book 3.
This was lovely, the characters are just so real, that it is so easy to feel you know them. Loved this book Leo hope there is a book 3.
December 22, 2024
Not as good
Not as good as the first. Catriona is too selfish for my liking. She strings Nate along and pulls away from her father because he reigns her in. Shes too reckless
Not as good as the first. Catriona is too selfish for my liking. She strings Nate along and pulls away from her father because he reigns her in. Shes too reckless
January 12, 2025
Couldn't Put it Down.
I loved this series, fast-paced and entirely engrossing. I read the second book in two days!
I cannot wait to see what happens next to Catriona.
I loved this series, fast-paced and entirely engrossing. I read the second book in two days!
I cannot wait to see what happens next to Catriona.
February 7, 2025
New favorite book…written absolutely from the heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews