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Ruby Dove Mysteries #5
The Mystery of Ruby's Tracks
Ready for a snowy ride aboard the Train Blanc?
Murder and mayhem await.
November, 1935.
With its velvet sofas and bone china teacups, the Train Blanc is a haven of 1930s luxury. But for Ruby and Fina, the trip holds some shocking surprises – not least that one of their fellow passengers is a murderer …
As the famous train steams through the cold Alpine night, the detective pair must work out which of the travellers is not what they seem. Could it be the friendly Swiss priest? The glamorous erotica author? The ‘artistic’ dilettante? Or even the grandmother with the hideous knitting?
Ruby and Fina are at the top of their game in this witty, sophisticated tale, which weaves together politics, fashion, intrigue and romance in a mystery with more twists and turns than a train track through the Alps.
Murder and mayhem await.
November, 1935.
With its velvet sofas and bone china teacups, the Train Blanc is a haven of 1930s luxury. But for Ruby and Fina, the trip holds some shocking surprises – not least that one of their fellow passengers is a murderer …
As the famous train steams through the cold Alpine night, the detective pair must work out which of the travellers is not what they seem. Could it be the friendly Swiss priest? The glamorous erotica author? The ‘artistic’ dilettante? Or even the grandmother with the hideous knitting?
Ruby and Fina are at the top of their game in this witty, sophisticated tale, which weaves together politics, fashion, intrigue and romance in a mystery with more twists and turns than a train track through the Alps.
200 pages, ebook
Published October 19, 2018
23 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Rose Donovan
17 books46 followersRose Donovan is a lifelong devotee of golden age mysteries. She now travels the world seeking cosy spots to write, new adventures to inspire devious plot twists, and adorable animals to petsit. Learn more at www.rosedonovan.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 10, 2018
The best yet in the Ruby Dove series! I particularly enjoyed this novel because of the character-driven plot and the introduction of a new slew of characters. Taking place on an exclusive and sophisticated train, it pays homage to Agatha Christie's Orient Express but has its own twist. Focusing more on European politics and history of the early 1920s, Ruby is once again brilliant and Fina is admirable as her ever-reliable sidekick. The presence of Journalist Pixley Hayford is reassuring and the mystery of James Matua is resolved.
Another winner, it was a true pleasure to read.
Rose, keep up the terrific work!
Another winner, it was a true pleasure to read.
Rose, keep up the terrific work!
October 25, 2018
Set in the 'Golden Age' of rail travel, this book evokes the glamour and atmosphere of luxury travel that the well-heeled were able to indulge in during the 1920s and 30s. It is a clever literary device as it creates a small, intimate and isolated environment for the murder mystery that inevitably ensues, and provides a cast of distinctive characters who are all well described and with interesting back-stories, providing several suspects with possible motives for the killing.
However, there were two issues for me, the first is that when Ruby makes the revelation of the murderer she reveals several facts which hadn't been revealed to the reader beforehand and this rather spoiled it for me, as I love to try and solve the mystery, but this was impossible in this case because of these concealed facts. The second issue is that whilst the other characters on the train were all given full, rounded descriptions, the two main characters, Ruby and Fina were only given very cursory descriptions. I suspect that readers who have followed this series from the start wouldn't have a problem with this as, presumably, their characters have been developed over the previous books, but as someone who came late to the party (this is only the second book that I have read) I do feel as though I am missing something.
Despite this criticism, I must stress that this is still a thoroughly enjoyable read, with glorious descriptions of the fashion, mannerisms and food of the period as well as the excellent plot and would have loved to have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for those relatively minor points.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author and have voluntarily written this review.
However, there were two issues for me, the first is that when Ruby makes the revelation of the murderer she reveals several facts which hadn't been revealed to the reader beforehand and this rather spoiled it for me, as I love to try and solve the mystery, but this was impossible in this case because of these concealed facts. The second issue is that whilst the other characters on the train were all given full, rounded descriptions, the two main characters, Ruby and Fina were only given very cursory descriptions. I suspect that readers who have followed this series from the start wouldn't have a problem with this as, presumably, their characters have been developed over the previous books, but as someone who came late to the party (this is only the second book that I have read) I do feel as though I am missing something.
Despite this criticism, I must stress that this is still a thoroughly enjoyable read, with glorious descriptions of the fashion, mannerisms and food of the period as well as the excellent plot and would have loved to have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for those relatively minor points.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author and have voluntarily written this review.
September 24, 2020
Just a little disappointing
I read book 1 and felt that the characters were flat. But the bones of a good series were there, so I felt I needed to give this series another chance. And I had hoped that it would be better now, but it wasn’t, not really. I had expected more character development. But I didn’t bond with any of the characters. And therefore the story wasn’t as captivating as it could have been. I wasn’t completely drawn in as a result of it.
The story starts a bit overwhelming with all the information. All the characters. Things are really only explained after they happen, and that left me feeling confused at times.
For the characters you’d better read books 1-4 first. The mystery itself stands on its own just fine. And the mystery part of it was good! And I must say, I did feel as if I was in the 1930s. I just wasn’t drawn to any of the characters, and that is why this just wasn’t a good fit for me, because that’s so important for me. But I can tell it’s well-written. It’s just not for me.
I read book 1 and felt that the characters were flat. But the bones of a good series were there, so I felt I needed to give this series another chance. And I had hoped that it would be better now, but it wasn’t, not really. I had expected more character development. But I didn’t bond with any of the characters. And therefore the story wasn’t as captivating as it could have been. I wasn’t completely drawn in as a result of it.
The story starts a bit overwhelming with all the information. All the characters. Things are really only explained after they happen, and that left me feeling confused at times.
For the characters you’d better read books 1-4 first. The mystery itself stands on its own just fine. And the mystery part of it was good! And I must say, I did feel as if I was in the 1930s. I just wasn’t drawn to any of the characters, and that is why this just wasn’t a good fit for me, because that’s so important for me. But I can tell it’s well-written. It’s just not for me.
November 30, 2018
I love trains and mysteries, so a mystery set on a train is a real treat for me. There are several classics, of course, and I felt this stood up well to them. There is a rich period flavour, indulging in that between-the-wars leisure and luxury that was soon to disappear. The cast of characters is intriguing and notably diverse, with reference to many aspects of 1930s politics. The mystery elements are unpredictable and quite baffling. This was my first of the series and I am certainly motivated to pick up the others.
February 10, 2019
I cannot recommend this unless one has read the earlier volumes in this series. It is more like a section of a novel. The reader comes in the middle of the action; and one is never really caught up on Team Ruby, who the characters are, what their motivations are, and what their relationships are. The mystery is of the snowbound train type, but the solving of the puzzle is perfunctory compared to advancing some longer form story.
If one could buy the Ruby series in a bundle it might make sense. As it is, steer clear.
If one could buy the Ruby series in a bundle it might make sense. As it is, steer clear.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews