Lee Shores

Black Flag #2

by Rachel Ford

Sometimes still waters are the most dangerous.

Murder turns a quiet month of shore leave into a nightmare for Chief Engineer Kay Ellis and Captain Magdalene Landon of the Black Flag. When a member of their crew is implicated in the killing of a young woman, the privateers find themselves pawns in an interplanetary diplomatic struggle that predates any of them.

With little evidence to support their claims of innocence, an alien government eager to make examples of the human visitors, and the eyes of two superpowers watching their every move, every passing day brings them closer to ruin.

If they don’t find the real killer soon, they’ll swing for a crime they didn’t commit. And the Union will be hung out to dry with them.


(Cover by May Dawney Designs)

Genres: Science Fiction, Lesbian, LGBT, Romance

466 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2019

About the author

Rachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 Stars. This was another good sci-fi adventure. This is the second book in the Black Flag series. Both books have been solid and entertaining. Since the main storyline is contained in this one book you could start the series here, but I would recommend reading book one first. If you skipped book one there is a main wlw relationship that you would not know how it started and a small cast of secondary characters that you would not be familiar with either.

First, I want to mention this series is free with Kindle Unlimited. I was a little wary going into this series since I have bad luck with KU books. I’m happy to say the writing and editing quality is well done. And while this series is sci-fi, it is very easy to read. There is no confusing science or big info dumps, Ford writes in a very readable way that even non-sci-fi fans would have no issues with.

While this book does not have nearly as much action as book one, it was still really interesting. Most of the story takes place on the home planet of one of the aliens in the crew of the Black Flag ship. The story turned into a bit of a mini mystery that was unexpected but pleasant.

I actually think this book was better written than the first, but I did have one main complaint. I found that the characters were a bit more passive in this story. It was more that things happen to them and they had to wait for others to help. Book one was not like this and had lots of fun action. I just hope this passiveness was only for this one storyline and the characters will be back to making their own way instead.

I don’t know if Ford reads reviews but I have to mention that the history background/story of a famous alien warrior named Tyia was fantastic. After I heard her story all I could think of is that it would make a great fantasy/sci-fi book. Ford please consider writing Tyia’s story, I would love to read it!

Overall this is a fun and easy to read sci-fi series. I’m hooked and will be reading book three when it comes out. If you are looking for sci-fi that is not heavy and very readable, this series may be for you.

A copy was given to me by https://lezreviewbooks.com for a honest review

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

When Kay’s best friend Frank is summoned to his home planet of Kudar, Kay and Magdalene decide to accompany him, only for them to discover that his family has betrothed him to a woman he’s never met. The only way out is to pretend he’s already engaged to someone else, so Maggie steps in. One of the things I enjoyed was that this fake relationship is told from Maggie’s real girlfriend’s point of view. Pretty soon, though, the jig’s up and other family secrets come out. Then the three friends get arrested for murder… All these happenings make for a hell of a holiday!

Lee Shores is a nice and easy read (with yet another cool cover by May Dawney). As far as world-building and storytelling go, it’s not at the same level as, say, Becky Chambers or J.S. Fields’ Ardulum series, but it’s also what makes this series accessible to non sci-fi fans. And the dialogues and characters interactions make me think it would make a pretty fun TV show or movie.

[Sapphic reviews]

I was asked to review this book in exchange for a copy of the book. I hadn't heard of this author before so was intrigued. Given my interest in lesbian sci-fi books, I was happy to give her books a go. I'm very glad I did!! 

This is the second book in the Black Flag series, although it can be read as a stand-alone I suggest you read the entire series, just because they are well worth the read. As soon as I had read this one I went back and read book 1.

I love the way in which the characters develop in this book, there is a complexity to them that you find out about with each twist and turn of the story. As the story unfolds there are so many unexpected plot twists that keep you hooked right until the very end.

I'm excited to see that book 3 is due out in September!!

If you enjoy sci-fi then this is a series not to miss!

[Kate Hershberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good sequel

I was excited after reading the first novel that there was another due out in a few weeks. I rather enjoyed this sequel as it showed more insight on some of the characters. The 3rd novel is due out in September and I'm excited to read it as well.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our crew are looking like scapegoats in the middle of an alien murder investigation and there is a lot more at stake then just their lives.

This is book two in the series. The story works very well as a standalone, so feel free to jump in at any point.

A murder mystery in space, or at least on an alien planet. I love the ship and crew that are the heart of this story. They have that wonderful mix of personalities that provides depth to a story. The story is well written in its own right with a solid plot and, as is proper with a murder mystery mixed with politics, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the players guessing. The action is non-stop and engaging, keeping me reading well past my bedtime.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC through StoryOrigin for review purposes.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sure wrong about what would happen in this novel! I thought there would be two story lines going on when the crew left the ship in Sydney's hands. There were a couple, but not what I expected. This was an engaging adventure worth reading if you enjoy lesfic sci fi. There is no new romance, just a lovely solidification of Kay and Maggie’s relationship. They have an “interesting” time on Frank’s home planet. Everything goes somewhat smoothly until midway and then boom! The shoe drops. The book then turns into a mystery. It was a fun read and just what I needed for the pandemic.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was not the story I hoped to be reading and I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy it very much. After the first book I was expecting a group of ‘broke’ privateers blasting through space still dodging the ‘Conglomerate’ hitmen after Kay and the ’Black Flag’.
What we got was an alien domestic drama, followed by a fairly weak murder enquiry that completely ignored the most likely suspect for nearly the entire investigation.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is book two but you don't need to listen to the books in order as It is a stand alone story and the author writes as though this is the first, you don't feel confused about something that happened in the past. Having said that book one is just as goo. It seemed to take a long time to get any where (or should I say to the mystery part of the story) but that was okay because it was introducing you to the characters, the customs of the planet and the funny situation Mags and Kay found themselves in. And in fact I think when it did get to the mystery the story slowed down, don't get me wrong it was interesting but I would have liked the main characters to have done some of there own investigating instead of letting other people do it and reacting to the fall out of being under suspicion. I like the characters (of which there is a lot), from the robot to even the grumpy cook, they all bring there own unique personalities to the story. Kay and Mags are together as a couple but other than a few tender scenes the love interest doesn't take over the story, well other than the planned wedding that is. I hope there is another book to come because I for one will be continuing with this adventure.
When the space ship the Black flag is due for repairs, Mags the captain gives everyone shore leave. At the same time Frank gets a summons home. This could only mean two things a death in the family or someone is getting married. Worried about there friend Mags and Kay join him on his return home. Only to find themselves in a hostile word, under suspicion for murder. Denied the rights accustomed to most world's can the three of them clear there name and return to the Black flag? Just what will they have to do to make sure that happens?
I liked the narrator she used a good variety of voices for the characters so you had no problems telling them apart. Although the robot voice did make me laugh.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series just took a huge nosedive for me in this Book 2. All of the fun and excitement of a rag-tag group of "privateers" traveling through space (cough cough space lesbians) and getting into adventures suddenly became a single world story centered on crewman Frank's family and culture with only him and the two MC's involved. This became old very, very quickly. Themes around homophobia, xenophobia, class, etc are all handled with a heavy and obvious hand through the lens of our human foreigners on this world. The actual plot of the book doesn't even kick in until the second half; up until then it's day to day life, long descriptions of sight seeing, and many pages of meals eaten. I still have the same problem with this book that I had in the first--despite the author pairing up the protagonist, Kay, with Maggie, the leader and captain of the ship, she has much more chemistry with and spends far more time with Frank. Kay and Frank tend to have actual conversations and she is usually seeking out his company. Whereas with this main pairing of Kay and Maggie, it's bland. There are no stakes between them, no conflicts exist, and they don't grow as characters the more they interact, all of which is very troubling and disappointing.
I'm hoping the next book in the series returns to what made this a fun story in the first place--space travel and adventure.

[Zayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Shores, book 2 in the Black Flag series by Rachel Ford, is a really colorful book, as well as an amazing, awesome book. I will comment and say that most of the book is slow. It is slow, it is not totally action-packed, and it isn't like the first book in the sense that there are space-wars and action throughout. It is in the Black Flag universe, it is a part of the series, but it is its own story and it introduces some interesting, colorful characters, such as, Frank's family, and (Ford) introduces us to this new world similar to Earth, but also entirely different from Earth. I really thought the development in the relationship between Maggie and Kay was great. I also liked how the story progressed steadily, not too fast nor too slow, throughout the book.

Solid 4-stars. Can't wait to read the 3rd in the series and see where Kay and Mags adventures lead.

[DR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed shore leave for all except Frank, Magdalene and Katherine. After what they went through from the last book the crew needs a much needed rest. Mags & Kay go with Frank to his home world and things get complicated quickly. Suffice it to say the three friends are pulled into an insidious plot that almost gets them executed. But Mister Sydney saves the day with his 'won't give up' attitude by getting his Katherine a lawyer and gathering the crew and planning war if nothing's done! I love Sydney. The author wrote an engaging character in Dave the ship's cook; mouthy, irritating and not lovable, but he works. Action, plotting, and a well written look into how phobias turn deadly. As with the first book in the series, I didn't put it down until finished. Satisfying long days and nights wanting to finish an exciting book.

[Robert Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and Kate visits Frank's home world with him, hoping to have a nice vacation. Family intrigues and traditions on the non-human world throw a monkey wrench into things and lead to some uncomfortable days. Then, after Maggie and Kate leave, expecting to come back in a couple of weeks to get Frank, things get much worse and they end up in prison. The fact that they are lesbians works against them, but helps advance the story line. Racism is also a large part of the story, and is rightly condemned.

A good story with no eroticism, just a good whodunit.

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

[Roger]

Lee Shores (Black Flag, book 2), my tenth read from author Rachel Ford. This book is so well-written & enjoyable, no matter the genre a Rachel Ford book can be counted on to be entertaining & enjoyable. But I have to say that I was given an Audible copy of Safe Passage (Black Flag, book 1) and Barbara Riche’s talented narration added so much to the book's enjoyment. As good as this book is if I weren't laid off due to Covid-19 I'd be buying an Audible copy. I look forward to Troubled Waters (Black Flag, #3)the next book in the series. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Wayne Scace · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** SPOILER ALERT!!! ***
I really enjoyed this quirky combination of Sci-Fi, love stories, and mysteries.
No disrespect for Dr. Asimov...
While I enjoyed reading Asimov's "The Caves Of Steel", the first Sci-Fi mystery, I enjoyed "Lee Shores" more.
The characterizations were more lifelike, the pacing was better and it was just more fun to read.
This is a descendant of the Whodunits from the 1930's.
Well Done Ms. Ford!!

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

[L E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went on the vacation with Frank, Maggie and Kay. Loved the family with its quirks and all but a family nevertheless. I had the murderer pegged almost from the start because I suspected the mom's death was not what it seems but that was only a guess.

Good twist and turns, I thought about homophobia and racism as it projected here on earth and liked that the author adapted it well to the story line.

Looking forward to the next adventure of the Black Flag, but yes ... don't let Frank or Kay choose a vacation spot. :-)

[Mick Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts off as an (a little bit silly) love story on a foreign planet that turns into a farce. Kay and Maggie (engineer and captain of spacecraft The Black Flag and a couple) accompany one of their crew, a Kudarian who's been called home urgently, to his home planet to have a holiday. Once there they find out that F'er Ark has been tricked and that his parents have arranged his engagement with a girl he's never even seen. To escape this, he claims that he's already engaged to human captain Maggie. Kudar is a planet with a long history of war and has only recently joined the union and there 's plenty of hostility and resentment towards humans. Of course, there are a lot of alien unfamiliar customs and habits the couple have to adjust to which creates several funny situations. It is only when the 2 women want to leave the planet that they are detained and thrown in prison on the accusation of murder and conspiracy.
That is the start of the exciting and most interesting part of the book. My main complaint is that all this takes about 2/3 of the book and in that last part they must get out of jail and find the real killer. This bit is exciting enough but seems a bit rushed when compared to the first part. It feels as if this is a merger between two books that have been glued together.
In any case, this is light SF that's also pleasant and entertaining to non-hardcore SF fans.
Also, I Felt at times that the LBGT theme was a bit stuffed down your throat. I have nothing against same-sex lovers but here it 's almost a statement.
Overall, I did enjoy the book but it 's not really my thing I think. That's why it gets 4 stars and not 3.
I did get a free ARC through StoryOrigins and leave this honest review voluntary.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

One should set aside a full weekend for this roller coaster of an NC15 space opera that follows the adventures of Magdalene, Katherine, and Frank when they visit his home planet.

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

[Frank Geimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Ms. Ford! I really enjoyed the action and intrigue that is written into this story. The character development and plot twists are getting really good and I look forward to the next novel.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid murder mystery

A properly crafted murder mystery. The conclusion is logical, though it isn't quite a fair play mystery as not all of the key facts are available until after the summation, by which time the murderer has been arrested.

[Cameo Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start

This book felt like it had a really slow start. It did pick up, but I still struggled to get through it.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy sugar does Rachel Ford pack it all into Lee Shores! The synopsis only tells about a third of the book? The tea is all about the first two-thirds of the book and Frank’s family. Woohee! The secrets upon secrets being kept at his house. Mind you the first “bomb” to drop happens before they even leave the ship. Then the hits keep coming until Frank, Mags, and Kay are all in deep kimchi. I love you Ford - this was awesome. Finally Frank was not in his comfort zone and the Captain and Kay have blackmail material to last a lifetime!

Then to top the family drama off, Ford throws in a murder. That came out of nowhere! I had not read the synopsis (as usual) so I was all like: Huh? I thought I was at the end of the book (laugh). Nope. (A little spoiler alert here.) I love the final conversation between Syd and Kay - freaking love Syd which I said in my last review.

The mystery was solid. I did not really guess the killer until the end. I definitely did not guess the means. The tea that Ford dished out was awesome. I hope it is used in future books to tease Frank. I wish there had been more “fun” between Mags and Kay, but seeing where they were I can see why there wasn’t. Ford once introduced some very interesting secondary characters who I predict we will see in the future.

Action, women in prison, tea, tea on Frank (laugh), Syd...what more could you ask more? Another book in the series and Ford has already written that. Yay!

Thank you to the author for putting the book on Kindle Unlimited affording me the opportunity to read it. Thank you!!!!

[Michele Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space Mystery on a foreign Planet

I read the first book in the series which introduced you to the crew of Captain Magdalene 's Black Flag ship. The crew is a mix of humans and a variety of aliens from other planets. Some whom they had rescued.

This second book could be a stand alone because it only involves 3 of the crew, Magdalene, her girlfriend Kathryn who is the shops engineer and Frank. Frank is a Kudarian, the only one on board.

The crew is taking a well needed month vacation and the ship is going on for maintenance and restocking during this time. Frank has invited Maggie and Kay to go with him to Kudar, his home planet to visit his parents and see the sites.

Little did Frank know his parents had plans to marry him off to a woman he had never met. Frank and Maggie run a farce on Frank's parents. Frank and his siblings each have a secret that the other doesn't know. As the story unfolds things become more complicated than a few secrets.

A murder takes place and all 3 shipmates are arrested and thrown in jail without even being told who had been murdered.

The story kept you in suspense waiting to see what would happen next as well as kept you guessing as to who committed murder.

It wasn't who I thought it was 😊. Rachel you have a great imagination. You give depth to the story and allow the reader to take the journey with you with your descriptions of the aliens and planets that are encountered.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the sequel to Safe Passage and is book 2 of the Black Flag series. This was a hard one to rate. The first half or so, I would rate has 4 stars, but the last portion as 2 stars.

The first part of the story has Frank, Kay, and Maggie on leave at Frank's home world and getting to meet his family. I really enjoyed seeing the characters just relax and be busy with everyday life. It felt like the beginning of any romance book. There were giggly happy feelings, family drama, and various relationship revelations. I loved it!

The second portion, which might be more like the last 25-30% of the book, the action picked up but the characters were fairly stagnant during the action. Secondary and tertiary characters had much more involvement in the story progression than our main characters. While it felt more realistic that this would actually be what would happen if you were in their situation, it made for a boring read.

One wish I would have for future books, is the opportunity to get inside Maggie's head. While I don't mind having the narration all from Kay, I feel like there is a lot more to learn about Maggie that we just aren't going to get with Kay has the narrator. To be fair, I have always been a big fan of multiple POVs, especially if there is any amount of romance involved. So fingers crossed we get a story with at least some if not all of Maggie's POV.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and will be reading the sequel.

[JMBooher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Book

I have adored this one. The characters and their stories were written in a great way. Can't wait to read more. Thank you Ms Ford.