A Matter of Love and Death

by Carmen Radtke, Caron Albright

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07Y3WGD1N

Adelaide, 1931. Telephone switchboard operator Frances' life is difficult as sole provider for her mother and adopted uncle. But it's thrown into turmoil when she overhears a suspicious conversation on the phone, planning a murder.

If a life is at risk, she should tell the police; but that would mean breaking her confidentiality clause and would cost her the job. And practical Frances, not prone to flights of fancy, soon begins to doubt the evidence of her own ears - it was a very bad line, after all...

She decides to put it behind her, a task helped by the arrival of their new lodger, Phil. Phil takes her to a nightclub, where she meets charming but slightly dangerous club owner Jack. Jack's no angel - prohibition is in force, and what's a nightclub without champagne? But he's a good man, and when Frances' earlier fears resurface she knows that he's the person to confide in.

Frances and Jack's hunt for the truth put them in grave danger, and soon enough Frances will learn that some things are a matter of love and death...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical

252 pages, ebook

First published November 17, 2017

Reviews

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed this book, it is a historical fiction so right up my street) and a cosy mystery so it also falls in the crime genre (again a book for me!) - I loved the setting and the description of 1930s Australia was great - it was easy to see that the book had been researched really well too.

I enjoyed the plot, it was very easy to read and I enjoyed the characters too - a great writing style and lovely fluidity. It is a nice and easy book to chill with for a few hours in an afternoon that takes you away from the day to day - 4 stars from me and looking forward to reading more of the same!

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 3 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Oh I just LOVE that cover!! So retro and so in-keeping with the overall theme of the book. Set in the 1930's in Adelaide, Australia, Frances has the world and its wife upon her shoulders as she does everything she can to keep a roof over her mother and Uncle Sal's head. Seeing as her job as a switchboard operator requires keeping any information heard from the callers, extremely confidential, Frances finds herself in a bit of a situation when she overhears something she would have rather have not heard. Does she risk losing her job by telling her boss what she heard? Or does she forget about it and pretend she never heard a thing?

It wasn't until after I finished reading this book that I noticed it was being dubbed a mystery novel. Personally, I didn't find that the storyline was overly mysterious and, even though it contained multiple 'hush hush' situations, 'A Matter of Love and Death' didn't make me wonder who had done anything as I didn't get the mysterious vibe at all. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the book, because I really did. I just don't feel that the term 'mystery' is the right description for this book, but that is of course my own personal opinion. I did wonder whether I had missed anything though, as I couldn't grab that particular vibe. I'm not sure whether I should be disappointed that I didn't see this book like that, or whether I should just enjoy the book for how I interpreted it.

For me, 'A Matter of Love and Death' was touching, heart-warming and severely nostalgic. I'm really not a romantic at heart, but I felt that the storyline had a romantic feel to it, even if the main characters weren't pursuing anything.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed most of Caron Albright's novel. I did feel as though there were several storyline gaps along the way which, at the time, confused me a tad as I felt like something vital was missing. However, I enjoyed the 1930's vibe and feeling as though I had travelled back in time from the comfort of my own home.

A unique, nostalgic and touching novel - mystery, romance or thriller, regardless of the genre, this book is guaranteed to be enjoyed by many.

Thanks BombshellPub.

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read! Very descriptive and paced just right. I loved following Jack, Frances & Bluey - I do hope there’s either a sequel or a spin-off book? I need to know what happens to them all! Love, murder & intrigue all set in Adelaide in an era I love - perfect

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 3 out of 5]

When telephonist Frances overhears a conversation plotting a murder, she finds herself in somewhat of a dilemma. Should she risk her job and reveal all to the police, or should she just keep quiet and pretend she never heard it?

This is a cosy style mystery but it's mostly a family/relationship drama, in my opinion. The mystery seems secondary to the characters, their lives and their interactions with each other. It amounts to the overheard telephone conversation at the beginning of the story and the resolution at the end. The middle part is more about the romance blossoming between the two main characters, Frances and nightclub owner Jack, both of whom I really liked (although I have to say that ‘Uncle Sal’, magician extraordinaire, is my favourite!).

I enjoyed the historical side to the story. It’s set in a bygone era and this is beautifully depicted by the author. I was effortlessly transported to 1930s Australia with its dress code, food ration books, the glamour of the nightclubs, alcohol temperance and the sense of community and ‘make do and mend’ attitude. It was easy to visualise in my mind's eye.

A gentle and nicely paced read with a hint of a mystery and a big dash of romance, a book which you can escape into on a winter's night!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very much what I would class as a cosy mystery.

I really enjoyed the era that the story is set in. It very much brought to life what living in that time would be like. The way people dress, how they lived and how the cinema and dances were all the rage.

There are quite a few likeable characters in the story. The main ones for me though were Frances and her Uncle Sal. The relationship between both made this novel even more worth while reading as it was really sweet to read. Jack is also great and was quite envious of Frances as he oozes sex appeal as well as being strong and manly.

For people who like a good mystery without the dark elements of a crime book, this is the perfect read. There was a nice balance of normal life as well as the build up of the crime. It is very much a tale of mystery and suspense with a great cast of characters.

A Matter Of Love And Death is a story that will transport you to the other side of the world as well as taking you into the heart of life in the 1930’s. A great read for people who like a combination of romance and a good old mystery to solve.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Matter of Love and Death by Carmen Radtke is the first book in the cozy historical mystery series which introduces readers to Adelaide, Australia in 1931. Frances is 22 and the sole support for her mother and adopted uncle during the depression. She is bright and practical but somewhat naive. Jack Sullivan is a nightclub owner who is one of the good guys. A quickly paced plot with likable characters that are soon well developed as Frances and Jack race to solve the mystery.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A matter of love and Death.

Frances works at the telephone exchange In post war Adelaide when she meets dashing stranger Jack Sullivan. When her colleague is fired for listening into the calls that she connects and breaching confidentiality, Frances knows she has to be extra careful. She can’t afford to loose her job, she’s supporting her mother and uncle Sal, a retired entertainer, although the money from a new lodger from Melbourne helps.

But then Frances overhears a phone call that sounds like someone is planning a murder. Who can she turn to for help?

I wonderful insight into Adelaide during prohibition, with the glamour of show business and the shadiness of minor crime a fantastic read.

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen Radtke thrusts us into the struggle to prevent a murder in the cozy mystery A Matter of Love and Death! It’s the 1930s and telephone line operator Frances overhears two people plotting a murder. After confiding in nightclub owner Jack, the two set out to get to the bottom of what’s happening in order to save a life. This was a really fun mystery, and I absolutely love how it was set in the time period that was the heart of classic mysteries! And no good mystery is complete without strong and colorful main characters, something Radtke achieves with Jack and Frances. Their back and forth, the overall twists of the case, and the charm of the setting all made this an exciting first entry to a series I’m looking forward to diving further into!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this very much, too. We have Francis who is the sole provider for her mum and Uncle Sal, their lodger Phil and the local, slightly dangerous club owner Jack. Francis works on a switchboard and one night overhears a frightening conversation between two callers, who appear to be planning a murder. She's not sure if it's real or not and decides to approach Jack and confides her fears to him. This begins a mystery and lots of action as Jack and Francis, with the help of their friends investigate themselves.
I recommend you read this one, it is good entertainment.

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully evocative!

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery and thought the author did a stellar job of painting a picture of the era. So much research must have gone into that alone! As a story, the suspense had me on the edge of my seat and the cast of characters was fabulous. Highly recommended...

[subaha · Rating 2 out of 5]

the mystery part was a bore and the main couple gave me the ick but the audiobook performance was nice which is what pulled me through

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait for read other book from this great writer! Amazing job! definitely a must read!. 5/5 A fantastic book that has it all! I read the short story of Jack opening the Top Note and now this one. I enjoyed both books very much! I look forward to reading the next one! Wonderfully charming story

I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. I was very happy to have the opportunity to experience the challenging and I'm very grateful to find it

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable historical mystery. I liked the setting in Adelaide Australia in the 1930s, it felt very real. The characters were likable. I loved Frances and Jack they were delightful. The slow build very sweet relationship between the two of them was very well done. The beginning of the story kind of dragged for me, but in the latter half, it moved along quite swiftly. Overall, I liked it and would enjoy reading more in the series.

[Arkgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely more about love than death this is a gentle read with a good sense of period style in 30’s Adelaide with an interesting cast of characters. Frances lives with her mum, ‘Uncle’ Sal and then a new lodger arrives. She is a likeable but slightly naive girl who over hears an unsettling conversation in her job at the telephone exchange and thus we have the mystery element but it is when she encounters nightclub owner, Jack, singer Dolores and becomes involved with a whole new world that the story develops ... as a crime story it is disappointing as there is no real whodunnit with clues but as a period ‘slice of life’ tale with some romance it is an enjoyable light read. More could have been made of Uncle Sal who is an intriguing character and the ensemble cast seemed to be sidelined too often ... I’d have liked to know more and maybe the author has left scope for revisiting the story as it felt a little rushed at the end. Overall an easy read with a good sense of time and place, likeable characters ... a fun, cosy read.

[Nina Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical setting: I’m no expert on Australian expressions from the 1930s, but I think the author did some good research and the reader is treated to several of them. I really should have made a note of a few to share. I quite enjoyed the colourful flair they provide the story. In addition to the expressions, there are specific types of appliances and gadgets that would have been in use at the time. There’s also the representation of the effects of the economic depression of that time period. Jobs are hard to come by, many are unemployed, neighbours help support one another and no one lets a penny get away if it can be helped. These elements are all woven into the storytelling (and into Frances’s character too) and help create a very vivid and enlightening setting.

The mystery: The lay of the mystery is a bit different from your regular cozy, yet i think it works in this context. Frances overhears a murder plot and she and Jack try to figure out the validity of that conversation and if they can find the potential victim. It isn’t until well after the halfway mark that we know the murder has been committed. Also, there are several quite amazing coincidences that lead to Frances finding clues about the identity of the culprit. It’s not the strongest plotting of a mystery but I love the ‘big reveal’ and the drama that unfolds with Frances and Jack at the centre of it all.

The romance: What this tale may lack in mystery plot, it makes up for (and then some) with absolutely charming characters. Let’s start with Jack and Frances who make quite a pair and complement each other handsomely. Frances is young, Jack a little older. Frances is a touch naive, Jack is very worldly. Frances is practical but brave and caring, Jack wants to keep her safe but delights in her keen mind and sense of justice. The affection between these two builds up gradually over the course of the story and leaves the reader with the sense that more is certainly to come.

The other delightful characters I’m looking forward to ‘seeing’ again would be Uncle Sal, formerly Salvatore the Magnificent, a retired stage player who keeps an eye on Frances and her mother…and plays peace maker when necessary. He’s also always in the know about the latest gossip. Jack’s friends Dolores, the very sought-after singer at his night club and Bluey, his over-sized man of business, who really is a big softy at heart, were two more of my favourites.

If you like historical cozies featuring charming characters, this is one you might want to check out too.

[Stephen Crabbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel first grabbed my attention because it is set in the Great Depression, in Adelaide. As a native of that city and an avid student of South Australian history, I had to read it.

The author’s portrait of the place rang true for me, the vernacular of my Adelaide parents and grandparents flowing from the mouths of her characters. Many a time did my mother’s hand guide me into Balfour’s, the bakery and tearoom famous for its frog-cakes, and I felt I was there again at the table with lead character Frances and Jack. The trams and Torrens Lake and particular streets and the weather … this was old Adelaide.

But A Matter of Love and Death is also a very good story. The well-drawn characters are interesting in themselves, emerging believably from the time and place. Frances, the switchboard operator, unintentionally overhears a telephone conversation which triggers a conflict of conscience and fear for her own safety. Some new acquaintances may be ready and able to help, but they have mysterious relationships and backgrounds which may pull her into further trouble.

As guileless Frances, longing for love and protection, slides into the shadowy world of illegal liquor and nightclubs, thuggery and murder, I often felt I was immersed in black and white film noir. Jack, the night-club owner, could easily be played by Humphrey Bogart. But the suspense and action are nicely balanced with appealing family interactions, domestic scenes and little sub-plots. And Caron Albright delivers her story in concise prose that reads easily.

I’m very glad I read this novel. If you like books of the cosy mystery genre with an underpinning of history, this one should be near the top of your to-read list.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1931 and Francis works as a telephone operator. One day she over hears a conversation about a murder. But after seeing another operator being fired for talking about what was heard she is afraid to say anything. Initially she decides it is a bad line and to ignore it. But when she meets night club owner Jack, she thinks twice about the murder. It is during prohibition and Jack dances around illegal champagne so Francis thinks confiding in him will help whomever was to be murdered.

What follows is a whirlwind adventure as Francis and Jack come across a murder, a jewelry thief, and thugs willing to do what it takes to stop them to stay free and clear. I loved Francis. She is supporting her mother and adopted uncle on very little money, especially for the time. I can completely relate to her trying to do whatever to keep this job. But I’m glad that she told Jack about the murder. He is a great, strong character with a soft spot.

I loved this whole story from the time period to the mystery. I couldn’t put this book down. And that ending is perfect. Bloodhound Books has picked up another amazing author. I can’t wait to read more from Caron Albright/Carmen Radtke.

I received A Matter of Love and Death from Bloodhound Books for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was definitely the cover that made me want to read this book, very appealing and retro. This follows the story of Francis who works a telephone operator in 1931. She is working full time; supporting her Mum and her adopted Uncle Sal and has a lot of pressure on her shoulders managing their finances.
One night walking home, she gets talking to Jack who she is initially wary of at first. However, through their lodger Phil, Francis soon gets drawn into Jack’s world and her eyes are opened to a world she never knew existed.

I loved reading about what life was like in that era and the author portrays both the time and the characters brilliantly. For me, I felt that there was something lacking, it seemed to be confused as to whether it was a love story or a crime novel and seemed to not really achieve either. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read that was nicely paced.

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh I loved this book. Perfect title... it´s a cozy romance with a mystery added, wait... it´s a mystery with a cozy romance added. Regardless, it´s perfect for light romance, historical fiction, and mystery lovers. The balance was great and just so enjoyable. The characters are just wonderfully written, and I was so happy to get to know them. The setting is the 30´s, and we just fall in love with Frances, Jack and Uncle Sal. Frances is a nice lady, supporting her family and just trying to make a living. Unfortunately (or fortunately), she overhears a convo while working as a phone operator. This sets of the mystery and her love story. Fantastic read, not to be missed. I hope we will see these characters again in a book 2?

[T Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a very enjoyable book. Set in 1931 I thought the characters and the community were very well described and so set the scene nicely for the story. I felt involved in their lives and cared about what happened. The murder mystery was only one part of this book for me, I was also intrigued to find out how things developed between the main characters, Frances and Jack and for the community we are introduced to.
Overall it was well written, intriguing, captivating and cozy. A good book to curl up with in front of the fire this winter. I would recommend giving this a try and award 4⭐️

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Adelaide in 1931 Frances is a telephone operator who overhears a conversation that she can’t tell anybody about due to the confidentiality of her work.

This is a lovely novel, well written and descriptive of the early 1930s with people suffering from poverty, illness, death and labour shortages. The levels of social needs are shocking compared to some of the opulence that is also around.

The story is nicely paced with good characterisations.

[Fiona Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A fantastic and quite different setting for a romantic mystery - 1930s Adelaide. Francis is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and love interest Jack is dreamy - a little bit dangerous, older, more experienced...swoon!
I enjoyed all the period details and the mystery was gripping enough to keep me hooked. I’m a sucker for romance and so the ending was very satisfying!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy 5 stars from me. I absolutely loved this book, and am very very hopeful that it won't remain a standalone book for long! We see the 1930's described from the perspective of Frances, who is just so innocent and loveable, and her friendship with nightclub owner Jack is just fantastic. I really loved the suspense and the friendships within this book, and I felt the background and surrounding characters were just wonderful too. I hope to read more in the future!!

[Bryony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really my genre but I gave it a go. An eye catching front cover really drew me in.

Clean romance, sweet characters. I found Frances to be a bit annoying with her ignorant opinions and prudish character. She definitely needs to travel the world and experience life haha.

Four stars, would have been five but issues with pacing in the middle. Visual, engrossing and very good at painting a picture of Adelaide from that particular time - really took me into the world.

[Meredith Whitford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, enjoyable mystery set in the Adelaide of 1930s. Albright handles her plot and characters with expertise and imagination, creating a very good picture of a lovely town coping with the Depression. The crime element provides just enough menace, and danger for the heroine Frances and her friends, to lift this book above many others. Well done!

[B.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute! Fun mystery with a bit of romance and plenty of interesting historical bits. Mostly about Australia, of course, but that's part of the allure. I loved Jack and Frances, and all the characters. Definitely worth a read.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully charming story about how Jack and Frances met. She overhears a murder plot on the telephone and Jack is quick to help her. And we see the start of their blossoming romance. I couldn't put the book down. Great characters.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story set in the Great Depression in Australia. Not so much a mystery as a story unfolding one piece at a time. The characters are lively and there are a few small secrets that come to light.

[KathleenWH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Book

This is a delightful tale about life in Post “Great War” Adelaide with a mystery
included.

I found the characters to be refreshing, and the economic struggles realistic. It is
almost impossible not to care about the characters.

I recommend this to you if you have become a bit jaded by mysteries at long weekend country house parties with all the “Bright Young Things” and the Lords
and Ladies that seem to populate many cozy mysteries.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery was mostly and after thought, but enjoyed the characters and setting (1930s Australia) a lot. Going to read the next one for sure to see what develops.