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Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery #1
A Precarious Homecoming: An Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery
Arabella Stewart, grieving the losses of her parents and brother, returns home from serving as an operator in the Great War determined to save Ballantyne, her family resort, and revive Moreley, her small hometown. An immediate impediment arises when she becomes involved in a murder investigation. Helping solve the crime is crucial, but Bella must work with Constable Jackson Hastings. Once part of her life, Jax turned his back on Bella after her brother, his best friend, died in the trenches. His cold attitude hasn’t softened, but she can’t let that stop her. Both her hometown and family resort, once popular tourist destinations, may not survive if the crime isn’t solved quickly.Jax, a war veteran, faces his own challenges. Wounded in body and spirit, his dreams shattered, he finds himself doing what he said he’d never do—follow in his father’s footsteps as constable. When a wave of crimes hit the town, culminating in murder, his competence is questioned. In a struggle to find the killer and save his job, Jax needs all the help he can get—but he doesn’t want assistance from Bella. Not when he feels responsible for her brother’s death. But more is at stake than his job. He can’t stand by and let Moreley become a ghost town. Nor can he watch while Bella loses Ballantyne.Working together is the only way to solve the crime and offer hope—to their community and for themselves. Will their efforts succeed, or will it be a precarious homecoming?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2021
123 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
D.S. Lang
27 books108 followersIf you like historical mysteries and intrepid female sleuths in a small town America setting, try my books! My heroines are dedicated to bringing the bad guys and gals to justice, and they have a team of colorful characters who support them in their efforts.
My Arabella Stewart series takes place soon after the Great War. Bella, who served an Army Signal Corps operator, returns to find her hometown and family resort in dire straits. Almost immediately, she is thrust into a murder investigation. Constable Jax Hastings reluctantly accepts her help.
The pair, who were childhood friends, partner in a series of investigations, while also working past barriers put in place during the war.
My Doro Banyon series is also set in an American small town in 1920s, but on a college campus. Doro is a librarian who, along with her best friends, finds herself immersed in a series of mysteries. It has a cozier feel than the Bella series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 4, 2024
This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.
September 29, 2021
Returning home after doing her bit in World War I, Arabella Stewart is dismayed by the changes in her hometown of Moreley. Once a thriving tourist destination, the village has become a ghost town and an unsolved murder divides the populace.
There is such a fine line that historical mystery writers walk. If a book is written as a period piece, modern readers cannot identify with the characters. But if it is too in tune with current times, the writing feels gimmicky. In A Precarious Homecoming D.S. Lang has successfully navigated this minefield and crafted a treat that is a time machine that transports the reader to the end of the first World War.
Recommended.
There is such a fine line that historical mystery writers walk. If a book is written as a period piece, modern readers cannot identify with the characters. But if it is too in tune with current times, the writing feels gimmicky. In A Precarious Homecoming D.S. Lang has successfully navigated this minefield and crafted a treat that is a time machine that transports the reader to the end of the first World War.
Recommended.
April 20, 2025
E-book freebie at the time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
This one needs trigger warnings. It's set just after WWI in Ohio. I've never read anything from this time set in the U.S. except for a few Young Adult novels set during the war. This story deals with PTSD and the lack of empathy and treatment for veterans; anti-German sentiment and lack of rights for married women/spousal abuse. Also possible
Arabella is a likable enough character. She's modern, intelligent, well-educated, worked as a U.S. Army Signal Corps operator in France during the war and isn't some naive young miss. She is a little naive concerning her hometown and her family's resort. It's tough reading books set in this time knowing history! While the resort may come back in the Roaring 20s, I suspect it wouldn't last through the Depression and repeat with the next generation of boys going off to war.
Jax is Ok. He, too, carries scars from the war - both emotional and physical. He's dealing with the loss of a dream and insecurity in taking over his father's role as constable in a town that's suddenly seeing an increase in crime.
I figured out who the murderer was pretty much right away. I do appreciate the characters going through the proper procedure and going through the list of suspects and then narrowing it down. It wasn't the most entertaining reading though. The story was very sad and I don't think I plan to read more of this series. I'm not sure yet.
This one needs trigger warnings. It's set just after WWI in Ohio. I've never read anything from this time set in the U.S. except for a few Young Adult novels set during the war. This story deals with PTSD and the lack of empathy and treatment for veterans; anti-German sentiment and lack of rights for married women/spousal abuse. Also possible
Arabella is a likable enough character. She's modern, intelligent, well-educated, worked as a U.S. Army Signal Corps operator in France during the war and isn't some naive young miss. She is a little naive concerning her hometown and her family's resort. It's tough reading books set in this time knowing history! While the resort may come back in the Roaring 20s, I suspect it wouldn't last through the Depression and repeat with the next generation of boys going off to war.
Jax is Ok. He, too, carries scars from the war - both emotional and physical. He's dealing with the loss of a dream and insecurity in taking over his father's role as constable in a town that's suddenly seeing an increase in crime.
I figured out who the murderer was pretty much right away. I do appreciate the characters going through the proper procedure and going through the list of suspects and then narrowing it down. It wasn't the most entertaining reading though. The story was very sad and I don't think I plan to read more of this series. I'm not sure yet.
October 2, 2021
2.5
I enjoyed this book, but didn't think it was terrific. I am surprised by the high ratings it has received.
I found it was drawn out too much. It could have been much shorter and hence more engaging. Too many times the author repeats how Bella or Jax is feeling. I get it! and don't need to read it again and again. I understand the town is suffering and why, so tell me once and not repeat it.
The actual mystery/murder is good enough to entice the reader.
I appreciated the references to veterans of the Great War and how they suffered both during it and afterwards.
I may read another in this series and hope it is more succinct as the author has likeable characters and a good mystery to follow.
I enjoyed this book, but didn't think it was terrific. I am surprised by the high ratings it has received.
I found it was drawn out too much. It could have been much shorter and hence more engaging. Too many times the author repeats how Bella or Jax is feeling. I get it! and don't need to read it again and again. I understand the town is suffering and why, so tell me once and not repeat it.
The actual mystery/murder is good enough to entice the reader.
I appreciated the references to veterans of the Great War and how they suffered both during it and afterwards.
I may read another in this series and hope it is more succinct as the author has likeable characters and a good mystery to follow.
June 17, 2023
Finally a great post WW1 novel
This is probably the finest novel I've read men and women returning from Europe after WW1. It combines so much history within a murder mystery. I seldom give a book a 5star rating but if I could I'd give it a 10star review.
This is probably the finest novel I've read men and women returning from Europe after WW1. It combines so much history within a murder mystery. I seldom give a book a 5star rating but if I could I'd give it a 10star review.
February 9, 2023
A reference to "normal school" for a degree in teaching made me think of ZTA founders.
December 10, 2025
A Precarious Homecoming is a book that I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. I fell in love with D. S. Lang’s books through the Doro Banyon series, so I knew I was in for an excellent read with the Arabella Stewart series.
This book is nothing short of wonderful. Not only do the characters pull you into the story, but the characters have such raw emotions that you have tremendous empathy for them. A Precarious Homecoming focuses on Bella returning home from her time spent overseas during the war and working to restore herself back to the prewar times. Though, she soon realizes that the war has changed everything. Along the way, she rekindles friendships while she rebuilds her life in the post war times.
One thing that I love most about this book is the fact that you get to see the story from both Bella and Jax’s perspective. Both characters exude raw emotions, heartache, and love. I love being able to see both sides of the story, because it shows that just because two people experienced the same thing, it doesn’t mean that they drew the same conclusion or share the same emotional response. Not everything is what it seems.
Lang does an incredible job of portraying the effect that the war had on the town, its people, and their reaction to the changes. There are many moving parts to this story and all of them are incredibly interesting. Bella is a strong willed leading lady, who has endured an awful lot in her short life. She is determined to revive her family’s resort and reset herself in life.
Thank you, D. S. Lang, for sharing your fantastic talent with us! I absolutely LOVE your books!
I cannot wait to continue on in this series and see what happens next.
Until next time,
Happy reading! 📖
This book is nothing short of wonderful. Not only do the characters pull you into the story, but the characters have such raw emotions that you have tremendous empathy for them. A Precarious Homecoming focuses on Bella returning home from her time spent overseas during the war and working to restore herself back to the prewar times. Though, she soon realizes that the war has changed everything. Along the way, she rekindles friendships while she rebuilds her life in the post war times.
One thing that I love most about this book is the fact that you get to see the story from both Bella and Jax’s perspective. Both characters exude raw emotions, heartache, and love. I love being able to see both sides of the story, because it shows that just because two people experienced the same thing, it doesn’t mean that they drew the same conclusion or share the same emotional response. Not everything is what it seems.
Lang does an incredible job of portraying the effect that the war had on the town, its people, and their reaction to the changes. There are many moving parts to this story and all of them are incredibly interesting. Bella is a strong willed leading lady, who has endured an awful lot in her short life. She is determined to revive her family’s resort and reset herself in life.
Thank you, D. S. Lang, for sharing your fantastic talent with us! I absolutely LOVE your books!
I cannot wait to continue on in this series and see what happens next.
Until next time,
Happy reading! 📖
December 17, 2022
Good Start to the Series
This was an interesting mystery story with a lot of suspects. Bella and Jax working together to solve it, while trying to deal with a very strained relationship. There were a lot of secrets that are yet to unfold, which is frustrating. I have book 2, but I'm afraid that it will end with more unanswered questions. So I'll finish another series first.
This was an interesting mystery story with a lot of suspects. Bella and Jax working together to solve it, while trying to deal with a very strained relationship. There were a lot of secrets that are yet to unfold, which is frustrating. I have book 2, but I'm afraid that it will end with more unanswered questions. So I'll finish another series first.
July 15, 2021
Not all scars are visible
I bought this book after reading the sequel and falling in love with Jax and Bella. Both are missing friend and brother, Matt, and the dreams they all shared for the Ballantyne golf resort; both have taken on careers far different than the golf pro and teacher they once expected to be before WWI and its losses. The murder of the town bully causes Constable Jax and curious Bellla to be thrown together, sorting clues and chasing leads while spending even more energy keeping each other at arm’s length emotionally. As the list of suspects shrink, tension and danger mount. I liked that I really couldn’t be sure “who dunnit” until the last chapters. The author’s easy style and the 1920s setting make this a comfortable page-turner I couldn’t put down.
I bought this book after reading the sequel and falling in love with Jax and Bella. Both are missing friend and brother, Matt, and the dreams they all shared for the Ballantyne golf resort; both have taken on careers far different than the golf pro and teacher they once expected to be before WWI and its losses. The murder of the town bully causes Constable Jax and curious Bellla to be thrown together, sorting clues and chasing leads while spending even more energy keeping each other at arm’s length emotionally. As the list of suspects shrink, tension and danger mount. I liked that I really couldn’t be sure “who dunnit” until the last chapters. The author’s easy style and the 1920s setting make this a comfortable page-turner I couldn’t put down.
June 8, 2022
December 1919 Moreley. Arabella Stewart has finally returned home to the resort of Ballantyne only to become involved in a murder. That of farmer Gustav Schwarz. With so many of the suspects veterans of the war can another veteran Constable Jackson Hastings be impartial. Plus he has secrets to keep away from Arabella.
Unfortunately I found the main female character barely likeable, but she may grow on me.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Unfortunately I found the main female character barely likeable, but she may grow on me.
An entertaining historical mystery.
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this story, at times I wanted it to move a little faster but I just needed to take a breathe:-) Well written, and the content was complete and the ending, not exactly what you might expect.
I will have to read more of this series, so glad I got it and read it.....VERY GOOD BOOK.
I will have to read more of this series, so glad I got it and read it.....VERY GOOD BOOK.
April 20, 2022
The book was slow, at time's quite boring, and repetitive. I like the story part about the veterans and how they suffered after the war. The characters were Interesting enough. But the story line plodded along.
May 27, 2021
Excellent fast paced book. Clean reading and great storyline. Easy to follow!
October 1, 2021
Historic exploration of post-war traumas
Not only is this a murder to solve, albeit in terribly sad way, it’s a depiction of the toll war has on those in it and those at home.
Not only is this a murder to solve, albeit in terribly sad way, it’s a depiction of the toll war has on those in it and those at home.
October 6, 2021
Interesting Read
Although somewhat plodding, the twists were unique. I was leaning towards the wife as the killer, so I was surprised nearly at the culprit.
Although somewhat plodding, the twists were unique. I was leaning towards the wife as the killer, so I was surprised nearly at the culprit.
October 8, 2021
Interesting
Early America people coming home right after a war
The problems are still the same
Why haven't our society learn how to fix
Early America people coming home right after a war
The problems are still the same
Why haven't our society learn how to fix
November 1, 2022
A War Story
Not only a good story line and good characterization. The ongoing damage and wounds that War leaves in human lives is addressed with both honesty and compassion.
Not only a good story line and good characterization. The ongoing damage and wounds that War leaves in human lives is addressed with both honesty and compassion.
March 23, 2024
This is the first in the series featuring Arabella “Bella” Stewart and her longtime friend, Jackson “Jax” Hastings. Set in small town Ohio in December, 1919, it’s an interesting murder mystery involving local veterans of WW I (Jax is also a veteran and the town constable). Bella served as an Army Signal Corps operator in France during the war and is just returning home to a very different and struggling town. Her brother, Jax’s best friend, was killed in the war and her parents both died of Spanish Flu while Bella was in France, so she has inherited the family resort, Ballantyne, which also has fallen on hard times thanks to the war and the flu. We meet several of the residents of the town of Moreley and learn how the war affected both the soldiers and their families and friends. There are a number of suspects for the murder, but the running theme through the book is the tension between Jax and Bella, due to a secret that Jax feels he can’t share with Bella. He keeps his distance which causes Bella pain, but she is determined to get Ballantyne and the town going again once winter is over. I’ll say no more, don’t want to spoil the plot.
The book is well written and there are no cliffhangers. I was surprised by a few things such as the amount of driving done, even in the snow – I guess I didn’t think there were that many cars and trucks in 1919. The characters are well developed and interesting, and the murder mystery has its share of plot twists and revelations. One thing I found annoying was the constant references to Jax’s secret – it seemed like his thoughts on this matter were pointed out every page or so. Okay, we get it, he is troubled by this but please, just tell Bella and get it over with so you both can move on. This is a minor annoyance, however, and I enjoyed the book very much. D.S. Lang does a good job of depicting what it was like for soldiers and other in a typical small town after the Great War. I’ll pick up the next book in the series and see what happens next.
I received this book for free in a monthly mystery book giveaway. My review is voluntary and written with pleasure.
The book is well written and there are no cliffhangers. I was surprised by a few things such as the amount of driving done, even in the snow – I guess I didn’t think there were that many cars and trucks in 1919. The characters are well developed and interesting, and the murder mystery has its share of plot twists and revelations. One thing I found annoying was the constant references to Jax’s secret – it seemed like his thoughts on this matter were pointed out every page or so. Okay, we get it, he is troubled by this but please, just tell Bella and get it over with so you both can move on. This is a minor annoyance, however, and I enjoyed the book very much. D.S. Lang does a good job of depicting what it was like for soldiers and other in a typical small town after the Great War. I’ll pick up the next book in the series and see what happens next.
I received this book for free in a monthly mystery book giveaway. My review is voluntary and written with pleasure.
October 26, 2025
Most of the books I read about WW1 take place in England. This was a different viewpoint since it takes place in a small midwestern town after the war. Many of the men have returned wounded in body and soul. Bella, the main character, also served overseas in the signal corps. Her former possible boyfriend, Jax, has come home with a terrible secret since he blames himself for the death of his best friend and Bella's brother.
One cold morning right before Christmas a body is found in the snow. the victim is a brutal man who no one in the town liked. The victim, Gus, is of German heritage and claims the citizens are all German-haters. Since no one liked him, there are plenty of suspects.
Jax, who is now the sheriff of the town investigates the murder with Bella's help.
The author sets a believable scene with characters the reader cares about. Good mystery. Good read.
Recommended.
One cold morning right before Christmas a body is found in the snow. the victim is a brutal man who no one in the town liked. The victim, Gus, is of German heritage and claims the citizens are all German-haters. Since no one liked him, there are plenty of suspects.
Jax, who is now the sheriff of the town investigates the murder with Bella's help.
The author sets a believable scene with characters the reader cares about. Good mystery. Good read.
Recommended.
May 5, 2025
I got this during a free mystery book event with Kindle. It was enjoyable. Good characters. Set right after WWI in a small town. Much of the young adults have just returned from France. Sadly many townspeople who fought were killed or injured and all returned with mental issues. The town was also hit hard by the flu epidemic and many died during that including the parents of the main character, Bella, as well as her brother Matt. The first murder ever in the town happens and Bella gets involved in helping find the murderer. Lots of sadness because of the loss of so much during the war. However, it still is fast-paced, simply written and a relatively "cozy" murder series and helped give a little interlude for me among some heavier reads.
July 2, 2024
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed that the ending wasn't what I hoped.
It tells the story of Bella, who returned to her hometown after the war and was dismayed at how the town had sunk from a thriving holiday destination to one of crime and neglect. She reconnected with a childhood friend, Jax, now the local police officer. Their relationship is strained, though occasionally they relax and work together to solve a local murder and try to put the town back on the tourist map. They solve the crimes, but will they ever heal their relationship? I guess the next books in the series will give the answers.
I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed that the ending wasn't what I hoped.
It tells the story of Bella, who returned to her hometown after the war and was dismayed at how the town had sunk from a thriving holiday destination to one of crime and neglect. She reconnected with a childhood friend, Jax, now the local police officer. Their relationship is strained, though occasionally they relax and work together to solve a local murder and try to put the town back on the tourist map. They solve the crimes, but will they ever heal their relationship? I guess the next books in the series will give the answers.
January 17, 2023
Not your typical cozy mystery
I really liked the darker tones in this book and I appreciate it not being like every other historical cozy mystery. Hopefully I dont seem to callous If I hope for more low key gloom in the next book. Without giving spoilers I also enjoyed the unfolding of the storyline.
The book could use some seeing over textwise as one chapter actually is repeated twice and there is at least one entire phrase that is repeated basically verbatum from two different characters. The story deserves better than that.
I really liked the darker tones in this book and I appreciate it not being like every other historical cozy mystery. Hopefully I dont seem to callous If I hope for more low key gloom in the next book. Without giving spoilers I also enjoyed the unfolding of the storyline.
The book could use some seeing over textwise as one chapter actually is repeated twice and there is at least one entire phrase that is repeated basically verbatum from two different characters. The story deserves better than that.
May 23, 2023
1919, Arabella Stewart, grieving the losses of her parents and brother, returns home from serving as an operator in the Great War determined to save Ballantyne, her family resort, and revive Moreley, her small hometown.
First she must deal with growing crime and vandalism incidents which is causing potential tourists to return. Overlying this is the hostility of community members of German descent who blame returning soldiers for the deeds.
First she must deal with growing crime and vandalism incidents which is causing potential tourists to return. Overlying this is the hostility of community members of German descent who blame returning soldiers for the deeds.
May 15, 2025
Love this window into the history of the post Great War era . I learned so much reading about the reacclamation of the soldiers to civilian life. World building at its absolute best. Arabella Stewart, a strong woman in 1919, is a role model for any generation. I love a book that is enjoyable to read, but teaches me something new and expands my understanding. I wish this would have been available while I was in Highschool History classes. Superb writing and Highly Recommended
December 9, 2025
Not particularly impressed.
So much effort in trying to highlight the veterans' plights that the explanations come off stilted and awkward. The Jax dilemma is referenced so many times I wanted to say "either reveal it or shut up". It's difficult to believe a single resort in a depressed town will do much for economic prosperity in a post-war economy. Therefore, several factors combined to make it an "okay" read but nothing I'm interested in following up.
So much effort in trying to highlight the veterans' plights that the explanations come off stilted and awkward. The Jax dilemma is referenced so many times I wanted to say "either reveal it or shut up". It's difficult to believe a single resort in a depressed town will do much for economic prosperity in a post-war economy. Therefore, several factors combined to make it an "okay" read but nothing I'm interested in following up.
September 30, 2021
I've read and reviewed books 2 and 3 in this series and so figured that it was time to read book 1.
Okay, I knew a couple of the characters were innocent since they appear in the later books... But the author makes you share the wishes of Bella and Jax "I don't want (him) to have done it."
DS Lang writes good stories
Okay, I knew a couple of the characters were innocent since they appear in the later books... But the author makes you share the wishes of Bella and Jax "I don't want (him) to have done it."
DS Lang writes good stories
November 16, 2021
There was nothing overtly wrong with this book. It just failed to captivate me. The mystery was OK as were the characters but it all seemed to me to be a bit bland. I think mostly it was the setting. I prefer British mysteries so one set in a small town in Ohio seemed lacking. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a bad book. Just not my cup of tea.
July 27, 2022
Someone stayed too at the party
Overall it was a nice story. Strong character development, a dash of historical background and mystery that took pages too long to come to a head. Perhaps my impatience come from not living a time when telephones are readily available. It's an ok book for community library but it was not for me.
Overall it was a nice story. Strong character development, a dash of historical background and mystery that took pages too long to come to a head. Perhaps my impatience come from not living a time when telephones are readily available. It's an ok book for community library but it was not for me.
December 15, 2024
A PRECARIOUS HOMECOMING is a smooth, well plotted murder mystery with lots of possible perpetrators. It is full of angst; there is little action or humor. The characters are well drawn, and the clues are many and reasonable. I enjoyed this book, but I was glad I had read the prequel for background.
September 20, 2023
slow
This is good bed time reading. It is an interesting story, and the characters are likeable. It is set in a very interesting time period.. it is a slow read, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
This is good bed time reading. It is an interesting story, and the characters are likeable. It is set in a very interesting time period.. it is a slow read, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews