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The Rainey Chronicles #1
The Locket
The Locket is the story of a talisman of war, linking three people to its assumed power of luck. Elizabeth Clarke struggling to run the family steel mill in a world dominated by men gives her brother a silver locket as he heads off to war in 1917. Jeremy Clarke, and later Captain Robert Rainey, cling to the locket as a symbol of a world outside the death and destruction of the Western Front. But as the war ends, there are dark forces at play.
Elizabeth’s father Jonathan, missing in Russia since 1917, sends word he is alive and needs assistance moving a valuable ‘package’ out of Russia.
The dark forces move against them, leading to Jeremy’s death on the eve of the expedition. Elizabeth is left to carry on . But the magic of the locket brings her together with Captain Rainey. Together with their small army, they plunge into the maelstrom of the Russian Civil War to face warlords, anarchists, monarchists, Bolsheviks, and Cossacks.
But there is a traitor in their midst who is the eyes and ears of a dangerous man who knows the Mission will lead him to Jonathan Clarke and the precious ‘package’.
Elizabeth’s father Jonathan, missing in Russia since 1917, sends word he is alive and needs assistance moving a valuable ‘package’ out of Russia.
The dark forces move against them, leading to Jeremy’s death on the eve of the expedition. Elizabeth is left to carry on . But the magic of the locket brings her together with Captain Rainey. Together with their small army, they plunge into the maelstrom of the Russian Civil War to face warlords, anarchists, monarchists, Bolsheviks, and Cossacks.
But there is a traitor in their midst who is the eyes and ears of a dangerous man who knows the Mission will lead him to Jonathan Clarke and the precious ‘package’.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2015
16 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
B.G. Cousins
6 books7 followersAn historian and avid reader of historical novels, B.G. Cousins has extensively studied the time period covering the Great War and the Russian Revolution (1900-1925). The Locket is his first novel. He has plans to write a series of novels following the Clan Rainey and the Japanese sword carried by them through history.
He has begun to write short stories which he will be posting on his blog.
He has begun to write short stories which he will be posting on his blog.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 23, 2015
When Elizabeth Clarke gave her brother Jeremy the locket as he headed off to war in 1917, she had no idea of the significance it would have in her life. Containing a small black and white photo of Elizabeth, Jeremy kept it close – rubbing it for luck; gazing at Elizabeth’s face while he was trapped in the trenches. His close friend Captain Robert Rainey also found meaning in the locket – he was intrigued by the vision of Jeremy’s sister and how much the locket raised his spirits.
With Jeremy once again on home soil in the US, Elizabeth continued to run Clarke Steel, the family mill which she’d run since her father Jonathan went missing in Russia back in 1917. He hadn’t been heard of for two years, when suddenly a stranger arrived at their home and announced Jonathan was alive. He needed rescue from Russia and instructed that because he also had a valuable package with him, a Mission of secrecy was to be organised, with Jeremy in charge to extract him – and Russia was in the middle of a violent and cruel Civil War.
As the preparation for their Mission drew them closer to departure, Elizabeth was uneasy. But the two hundred highly trained men, ammunition and other paraphernalia were ready – shrouded in secrecy they headed into the unknown. When tragedy struck in the port after their arrival, a grief stricken Elizabeth took over; her meeting with Captain Rainey was fortuitous as his knowledge and integrity was beyond doubt. They slowly and torturously made their way across Russia on horseback, encountering danger in all forms. But the knowledge that there was a possible traitor amongst the men shattered Elizabeth. Would they reach Jonathan Clarke? And what would they find if they did? What was this mysterious package that no one knew about?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Locket by B.G.Cousins which is the author’s debut novel. An excellent blending of the power of belief, love and the atrocities of war, The Locket kept me enthralled until the very last page. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to all, especially to lovers of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
With Jeremy once again on home soil in the US, Elizabeth continued to run Clarke Steel, the family mill which she’d run since her father Jonathan went missing in Russia back in 1917. He hadn’t been heard of for two years, when suddenly a stranger arrived at their home and announced Jonathan was alive. He needed rescue from Russia and instructed that because he also had a valuable package with him, a Mission of secrecy was to be organised, with Jeremy in charge to extract him – and Russia was in the middle of a violent and cruel Civil War.
As the preparation for their Mission drew them closer to departure, Elizabeth was uneasy. But the two hundred highly trained men, ammunition and other paraphernalia were ready – shrouded in secrecy they headed into the unknown. When tragedy struck in the port after their arrival, a grief stricken Elizabeth took over; her meeting with Captain Rainey was fortuitous as his knowledge and integrity was beyond doubt. They slowly and torturously made their way across Russia on horseback, encountering danger in all forms. But the knowledge that there was a possible traitor amongst the men shattered Elizabeth. Would they reach Jonathan Clarke? And what would they find if they did? What was this mysterious package that no one knew about?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Locket by B.G.Cousins which is the author’s debut novel. An excellent blending of the power of belief, love and the atrocities of war, The Locket kept me enthralled until the very last page. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book to all, especially to lovers of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
April 26, 2019
It is 1919, and the Great War (now known as World War 1) has recently ended. Elizabeth Clarke has been running the family steel company in New York with careful manipulation of the board’s directors in an age when women are still looked upon as secondary in society, while her younger brother, Jeremy, is adapting after his time as a soldier along the front lines in the war. Suddenly, a secretive state department diplomat appears at her door to deliver a secret mission from Elizabeth’s father, who is hidden away in Russia, to her younger brother, but Elizabeth is not going to let Jeremy handle this on his own. The mission begins by smuggling a small company of military men and weaponry to a Russian port where their contact is Canadian Captain Robert Rainey, who recognizes and feels an instant connection to Elizabeth from her picture in a locket that Jeremy carried during the war, when Robert and Jeremy fought together in the trenches during the Great War. But the mission suddenly turns dangerous and deadly as it advances through the length of Russia during its internal revolution. Based on an accompanying author’s note, the historical background behind this taut fictional thriller is very accurate, which gave me a new perspective on international connections and relations at the time. The story has battle actions, spy thrills, multiple twists, tragic moments, and a touch of romance as the advantages swing back and forth between the protagonists and antagonists. Sometimes, actions seem to occur out of nowhere, but the multiple thrills will please many historical thriller readers.
August 13, 2019
A picture in a locket. Is it hope? Or is it death? Gripping action. Dramatic love story.
Captain Robert Rainey survived The Great War and now he is drawn back into the action by the very woman who helped him get through it. She just never knew it. And now they are pitted against both sides as revolution rages in Russia. And they don’t even know why. A tiny picture of Elizabeth Clarke in a locket gave Rainey the will to survive. Now she is dragging him back into hell again.
B.G. Cousins paints a desolate and desperate tale of a headstrong woman with a group of American ex-soldiers led by a reluctant Canadian across the war-torn world after WW1 has ended. The battles are intense and the bodies build up as the race to rescue Elizabeth’s father stumbles through a frightening landscape of post-war Europe and Russia. The mysteries and secrets are engaging and seem to build even beyond the end of the book.
I loved this book. Never a dull moment. Always some new twist. And just when you think the story is done, it gets even more interesting.
September 29, 2017
Interesting and good characterization
Action-packed and very entertaining...this book kept me on the edge of my seat guessing who was the enemy and who wasn't...keep writing these books!
Action-packed and very entertaining...this book kept me on the edge of my seat guessing who was the enemy and who wasn't...keep writing these books!
February 2, 2018
I enjoyed the history of Russia explained throughout this book
April 1, 2016
The Locket tells the story of an expedition led by Captain Robert Rainey and the beautiful Elizabeth Clarke. Together they and their troops cut across the Russian Civil War, in search of a business man missing for years, and a hidden treasure they must protect. The locket, owned by Elizabeth’s brother, serves as a talisman of protection, as the protagonists battle warlords, rebels, and a dark force that threatens their mission from within.
Okay. First thing’s first. I hate Elizabeth frikkin Clarke. She’s full of herself, moody, and completely brash. At least that’s what I thought. The novel seems to try to portray and literally describes her as beautiful (see what I did in the summary?), and the perfect Mary Sue. She’s smart, everybody loves her, she’s a killing machine, she has a great voice, and heck, she’s even good at drinking. Second, the book’s wordy by nature, and I had no problem with that, but there were some parts that became a jumbled up collection of phrases that I had to stop and reread them four times before I understood. On the other hand, there were also paragraphs that became simply a rundown of the schedule of the characters, that I found I had no interest of knowing.
Third, the romance. I mean, really? I’m the type who usually loves the extra romance in action movies and thriller books, but I just hated the one in this novel. It may be, to some extent, because it was Elizabeth, but the bigger reason was simply because it seemed forced to me. I saw no chemistry. No development to when they finally fall in love. Even the sex scene seemed rushed and awkward to me. Fourth, the emotion. The author killed of some slightly major characters, and I actually didn’t care. I didn’t care because the characters were pretty much unlikeable, and also because there was no effort to evoke the sense of loss and regret from the reader. And lastly, the title. I did mention it in the summary above, as that’s how I think the author wanted it to be portrayed, but as I progressed through the book, it became apparent that the locket didn’t really hold as much weight as I thought it would. In fact, I actually think the book would have survived without it. Suggestions for a new title would be: The Clarke Expedition, or even The Sword. Certainly not The Locket.
Whew. Okay, now that that’s all done, let’s go to why I didn’t give this novel just one star instead of two. First is that I appreciated how Cousins’ debut novel is more than a book of fiction, it also serves as a historical account of some of the great characters in the Russian Civil War. It was incredibly informative for me to learn about the old Russia, and even got me searching Wikipedia after I finished the book. The second redeeming factor was Rainey, and the end of the novel. I loved the background of the novel’s protagonist. Although I do feel that the revelation could have slowly been done throughout the book, and not just dumped to the reader at the last chapters. I also found the few twists at the end interesting, and especially liked how the author tried to interpret how we can measure meaning and life.
I’m not really sure if I simply had these sentiments because I’m not fond of historical fiction, but there you go. Readers with a penchant for war and historical fiction novels would enjoy this more than I did, though. And also Elizabeth Clarke may come off as a “strong female lead” to some, so readers who like that may also appreciate her. All in all, I thank Amazon for giving me this free read!
Okay. First thing’s first. I hate Elizabeth frikkin Clarke. She’s full of herself, moody, and completely brash. At least that’s what I thought. The novel seems to try to portray and literally describes her as beautiful (see what I did in the summary?), and the perfect Mary Sue. She’s smart, everybody loves her, she’s a killing machine, she has a great voice, and heck, she’s even good at drinking. Second, the book’s wordy by nature, and I had no problem with that, but there were some parts that became a jumbled up collection of phrases that I had to stop and reread them four times before I understood. On the other hand, there were also paragraphs that became simply a rundown of the schedule of the characters, that I found I had no interest of knowing.
Third, the romance. I mean, really? I’m the type who usually loves the extra romance in action movies and thriller books, but I just hated the one in this novel. It may be, to some extent, because it was Elizabeth, but the bigger reason was simply because it seemed forced to me. I saw no chemistry. No development to when they finally fall in love. Even the sex scene seemed rushed and awkward to me. Fourth, the emotion. The author killed of some slightly major characters, and I actually didn’t care. I didn’t care because the characters were pretty much unlikeable, and also because there was no effort to evoke the sense of loss and regret from the reader. And lastly, the title. I did mention it in the summary above, as that’s how I think the author wanted it to be portrayed, but as I progressed through the book, it became apparent that the locket didn’t really hold as much weight as I thought it would. In fact, I actually think the book would have survived without it. Suggestions for a new title would be: The Clarke Expedition, or even The Sword. Certainly not The Locket.
Whew. Okay, now that that’s all done, let’s go to why I didn’t give this novel just one star instead of two. First is that I appreciated how Cousins’ debut novel is more than a book of fiction, it also serves as a historical account of some of the great characters in the Russian Civil War. It was incredibly informative for me to learn about the old Russia, and even got me searching Wikipedia after I finished the book. The second redeeming factor was Rainey, and the end of the novel. I loved the background of the novel’s protagonist. Although I do feel that the revelation could have slowly been done throughout the book, and not just dumped to the reader at the last chapters. I also found the few twists at the end interesting, and especially liked how the author tried to interpret how we can measure meaning and life.
I’m not really sure if I simply had these sentiments because I’m not fond of historical fiction, but there you go. Readers with a penchant for war and historical fiction novels would enjoy this more than I did, though. And also Elizabeth Clarke may come off as a “strong female lead” to some, so readers who like that may also appreciate her. All in all, I thank Amazon for giving me this free read!
November 11, 2015
The Locket by B.G. Cousins takes place just after World War I at a time when the world is in term oil, and various factions are attempting to gain control in Russia. Captain Robert Rainey and Lieutenant Jeremy Clark served together during the war, and were brought together because of a locket that Jeremy Clark's sister, Elizabeth, had given him before he went off to war. This is the story of what happened to these people and that locket as they embark on a secret mission that moves from Europe to the United States, Russia and back again. It is a story replete with adventure, treachery, heroism, and romance. It offers bravery, cowardice and many unexpected twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book so much because of the characters physical and emotional struggles, and the many life and death decisions circumstances forced upon them. Though this work is fiction, it provided great historical perspective of that time just after WWI; a time I know little about. This book should satisfy readers of historical fiction and, at the same time, feed that romantic part of the reader's soul.
I received and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this digital book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book so much because of the characters physical and emotional struggles, and the many life and death decisions circumstances forced upon them. Though this work is fiction, it provided great historical perspective of that time just after WWI; a time I know little about. This book should satisfy readers of historical fiction and, at the same time, feed that romantic part of the reader's soul.
I received and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this digital book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2015
Fans of historical fiction who enjoy the works of authors such as Robert Goddard, Raymond Khoury or Katherine Neville will find THE LOCKET by B. G. Cousins a real treat. The novel covers subjects ranging from the Russian Revolution to WWI and how two families, the Rainey’s and the Clarke’s figure into these events. Adding to the intrigue is the unusual ancient sword always carried by Captain Robert Rainey and a locket containing a picture of his sister Elizabeth kept as a talisman by Lt. Jeremy Clarke. The secrets connected to these items and their effect on the lives of the three primary characters make for great reading. Each individual is alive on the page complete with flesh and blood emotions and the descriptive battle scenes do their part in adding to the adventure.
Granted, it is necessary for the reader to suspend logic and surrender to the author’s vivid imagination at some points in the story, but isn’t that the purpose of a really entertaining novel - - - to engage our imagination and vicariously take us to other places and times. THE LOCKET delivers on all counts.
Granted, it is necessary for the reader to suspend logic and surrender to the author’s vivid imagination at some points in the story, but isn’t that the purpose of a really entertaining novel - - - to engage our imagination and vicariously take us to other places and times. THE LOCKET delivers on all counts.
February 2, 2016
This was an enjoyable work of historical fiction; 4.5 stars. The author does a good job of describing the turmoil and confusion of the post-WWI world, especially the turmoil and civil war engulfing Russia. I liked that Trosky and Stalin made brief appearances in the book. I thought the author did a good of describing the horror and confusion of battle/war and how being in battle/war changes a person. The author does a good job of foreshadowing some future world events. The story is engaging with plenty of mystery and twists and turns (some quite surprising twists), as well as a love story. The characters are well-developed, especially Elizabeth Clarke, who is both a strong, independent, willful woman, capable of running a corporation and fitting in with a militia unit, but also kindhearted, gentle, and loving when appropriate.
I received a copy of the ebook from Net Galley in exchange for a review.
I received a copy of the ebook from Net Galley in exchange for a review.
November 29, 2015
I received a free advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is written in the post WW I setting during a time of great turmoil in Russia when several factions are fighting to gain control and involves a secret mission from Europe, to the USA, to Russia, and back again. There is treachery, cowardice, and romance with many twists and turns to hold the reader’s interest throughout. The author portrays the female character as a very strong woman. There is also a locket as a luck talisman. This is an excellent piece of historical fiction that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
February 1, 2020
Very surprised. At first I thought I would not care for the story because of the subject, War. I thought it to be more suited to a male reader. I changed my mind. The story is well written and very interesting. There is some clean romance, history and I actually learned quite a bit while reading the book. The story is rather long but held my interest the entire time. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys, history, war, romance and a good book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews