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Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery #2
A Lingering Shadow: An Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery
Several months after arriving home from her service as a United States Army Signal Corps operator in the Great War, Arabella Stewart is focused on saving her family’s resort. The first day of the season starts with excitement and anticipation but ends with a murdered guest. Once again, Bella wants to help Constable Jax Hastings, her brother’s best friend and comrade-in-arms, investigate. Jax resists her involvement. Not only did he promise her brother Matt to watch over Bella, he is still coping with war wounds—both physical and emotional. As they pursue clues, Bella and Jax deal with the war’s lingering shadows, shadows that fall on themselves, the victim, and the suspects.
If you love history and mystery, you'll enjoy the Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series.
If you love history and mystery, you'll enjoy the Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2021
31 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
D.S. Lang
26 books104 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 3, 2021
The town of Moreley has never been more dependent on the success of Ballantyne Golf Resort than it is now. The double blows of world war and the influenza pandemic have taken their toll on the small community and many businesses have been forced to close. Arabella Stewart feels the weight of responsibility on her shoulders but she is prepared to save the resort and the town she loves. Alas, on the day of the re-opening there is a brutal murder committed and now she and the town's police constable will need to do their best as they investigate a crime with many suspects.
This is the second book in the series and I read it back to back with the first. There was a smooth transition between the two and the feeling of stepping back in time is as true as it was in the first. Because so little time has passed in-between the two tellings, the characters have only progressed a little and reading the second book felt like a homecoming.
The characters are beautifully detailed. I feel as though I know Bella and her swift bouts of impishness as well I do her sorrow at the loss of her family. Jax, the constable, is also a friend and as much as I disfavour his staunch chauvinistic views, he redeems himself with his support of Bella - both physically and mentally. While Bella is ready to break out of the constraints of her times, Jax is still bound by them and yet, more than most, he views her as an equal. They have a fascinating dynamic.
The mystery is stuffed with red herrings. Delightfully so. The murderer dropped enough clues at the start for a fair reader's detection but Lang obscured the identity with the distraction skills of a professional magician. There's nothing worse than guessing the killer's identity on page 12 and perhaps it would have been possible to do so if only there weren't so many other things that directed your attention away. It was sheer pleasure to get to the end of the book and realize that I'd known who commit the murder and didn't know that I knew who commit it at the same time. An amazing paradox.
Thank you to BookSirens and D.S. Lang for the chance to read this free copy. My opinions are my own and are true and honest.
Highly recommended.
This is the second book in the series and I read it back to back with the first. There was a smooth transition between the two and the feeling of stepping back in time is as true as it was in the first. Because so little time has passed in-between the two tellings, the characters have only progressed a little and reading the second book felt like a homecoming.
The characters are beautifully detailed. I feel as though I know Bella and her swift bouts of impishness as well I do her sorrow at the loss of her family. Jax, the constable, is also a friend and as much as I disfavour his staunch chauvinistic views, he redeems himself with his support of Bella - both physically and mentally. While Bella is ready to break out of the constraints of her times, Jax is still bound by them and yet, more than most, he views her as an equal. They have a fascinating dynamic.
The mystery is stuffed with red herrings. Delightfully so. The murderer dropped enough clues at the start for a fair reader's detection but Lang obscured the identity with the distraction skills of a professional magician. There's nothing worse than guessing the killer's identity on page 12 and perhaps it would have been possible to do so if only there weren't so many other things that directed your attention away. It was sheer pleasure to get to the end of the book and realize that I'd known who commit the murder and didn't know that I knew who commit it at the same time. An amazing paradox.
Thank you to BookSirens and D.S. Lang for the chance to read this free copy. My opinions are my own and are true and honest.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2022
I almost gave up on this one a few chapters in. The author accuses one of her characters of ruminating, but that's really the perfect word to describe this writing style. So much repetition about the same thought processes with little progression. It became an annoyance. I was stuck in a car all day and finished it to have something to do. This had potential, but fell flat. The setting can be one of the strongest characters in historical fiction, but that was not the case here. Had it not been for the mention of France, telegraph operators, shirtwaist, and model T, this could have been any time period relative to any war. There was little in the way of description of time and culture here which would have enriched the story. The story line was not convincing as some details just didn't sell. For instance a death resulting from a slide off of the road for one passenger, while the truly compromised passenger escaped unharmed. The car didn't even roll. This book is clearly intended to be continued as part of a series, which should explain the ending, but it's not a good enough excuse for the complete lack of resolution on the part of the primary relationship. That relationship really didn't progress much at all, so the ending felt like a let down.
July 9, 2021
I totally fell for this 1920s murder mystery! Layered characters, retro settings, and a tight-knit community - this clean story has “all the feels.” Bella and Jax are two very wounded yet determined singles trying to adapt to life after the losses of WWI. Both think their personal dreams have died, but they are committed to giving their best to resurrect their small town. That includes putting their heads (and hearts) together to solve a murder that threatens that economic recovery. As the mother of a homicide detective, I am astounded to think of solving such a crime without the forensics and technology we take for granted today. The ending is satisfying yet leaves plenty of room for this conflicted couple to reconcile in the third volume. I received a complimentary advance review copy and was not required to post a review. *The author offers a free prequel to this series, giving a peek at the conditions in war-torn France and the bond Jax and Bella had with her brother who didn’t come home. I can’t wait to buy the first book that ties these two pieces together!
July 6, 2021
A Lingering Shadow is an Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery by D S Lang. The story is set in 1920 right after WW1, the Great War. Arabella Steward is focusing on saving her family’s resort, Ballantyne. Along with her partner, (Mac) MacLendon, “Bella” is reopening the resort. Mr Montecello along with three of his friends are checking in for a long weekend. Unfortunately, Mr Neece, who does not like Mr Montecello, is also checking in for a long weekend. Throwing in a maid, Millie, who also dislikes Montecello and you have the beginning of an interesting story. When Montecello is murdered, Arabella must help find the killer. I really enjoyed this book. D S Lang has murder with several possibilities, kidnapping, a car chase, a dash of possible romance, and I found a totally awesome book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 8, 2021
Set in the US after the first World War. Arabella's brother died during the war and her lifelong friend is the local policeman who is called to investigate a murder in the holiday resort that Arabella is trying to save from ruin. As the murder may impact the future of the resort Arabella does what she can to help the investigation.
The dynamics of this novel with hints of the how the World War not only killed a lot of young people but ruined many thriving businesses is constant.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the portrayal of how people lived in that era in the US. This is the second book in the series but I read it as a standalone. A wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The dynamics of this novel with hints of the how the World War not only killed a lot of young people but ruined many thriving businesses is constant.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the portrayal of how people lived in that era in the US. This is the second book in the series but I read it as a standalone. A wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2021
A Lingering Shadow
D.S.Lang gives a dramatic tale of intrigue, mystery and murder. Who murdered the banker in the cottage? A historical mystery of murder with an array of colorful and vibrant characters trying to survive life and rebuild their lives after a world war.,the Spanish Flue and the depression of the 1920s and 1930s .Trying to bring back the life of competitive gulf and a small town gulf resort. The small town as well .Acquire "A Lingering Shadow " today for hours of entertainment. 🙂 Kat
D.S.Lang gives a dramatic tale of intrigue, mystery and murder. Who murdered the banker in the cottage? A historical mystery of murder with an array of colorful and vibrant characters trying to survive life and rebuild their lives after a world war.,the Spanish Flue and the depression of the 1920s and 1930s .Trying to bring back the life of competitive gulf and a small town gulf resort. The small town as well .Acquire "A Lingering Shadow " today for hours of entertainment. 🙂 Kat
June 30, 2022
Excellent Historical detective fiction
Highly enjoyable detective fiction, well researched with an authentic post ww1 feel. Arabella Stewart is a believable and likeable heroine, in a story that centres around the aftermath of the Great war on rural America. The war-damaged town constable Jax and a cast of local characters lend depth to a poignant plot. I found myself becoming invested more and more in their world, looking forward to reading more
Highly enjoyable detective fiction, well researched with an authentic post ww1 feel. Arabella Stewart is a believable and likeable heroine, in a story that centres around the aftermath of the Great war on rural America. The war-damaged town constable Jax and a cast of local characters lend depth to a poignant plot. I found myself becoming invested more and more in their world, looking forward to reading more
May 29, 2021
Arabella re-opens the family hotel after the Great War and the flu pandemic... but one of the first guests is robbed and murdered. She needs the murder solved so that people stop cancelling their bookings.
Constable Jackson Hastings wants Arabella to stop investigating because she may be in danger.
There's a range of suspects and motives - from robbery to family loss.
A good read
Constable Jackson Hastings wants Arabella to stop investigating because she may be in danger.
There's a range of suspects and motives - from robbery to family loss.
A good read
November 7, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
* A enjoyable cozy, historical mystery
* Interesting, well developed characters.
* A clean read.
* Excellent plot. Well thought out.
* Enjoyable! Intreging! Suspenseful!
* It draws you in. You can't put it down.
* Beaufilly detailed.
* Well written!
* A enjoyable cozy, historical mystery
* Interesting, well developed characters.
* A clean read.
* Excellent plot. Well thought out.
* Enjoyable! Intreging! Suspenseful!
* It draws you in. You can't put it down.
* Beaufilly detailed.
* Well written!
November 5, 2022
Another very good read
As long as the tension between protests doesn't go on interminably, this should continue to be a series worth reading.
As long as the tension between protests doesn't go on interminably, this should continue to be a series worth reading.
Read
August 12, 2021I would class this as a historical cozy mystery . Bella Stewart was a US Army Signal Corps Operator in the army and returns home to save the family golf resort but on the opening day one of the guests is murdered. The local constable, Jax Hastings, an old school friend and a friend of the family is investigating. Bella is confused by his attitude towards her but he has guilty feelings about the death of Bella's brother, Matt, in the war and he promised to look after Bella if Matt died. Jax has his own demons from the war.
Bella fancies herself as a detective and wants to assist in the investigation against the wishes of Tax who is concerned she might be in danger and in fact she is kidnapped. This story has an undercurrent of a frustrated love story post war set in a small community setting. There is a strong attraction between Bella and Jax but the after effects of the war stops them getting together and although they solve the murder with the help an ex policeman and a rookie, the story is more involved with Bella and Jax's feeling for each other and leaves the way for another book in how their relationship progresses and the after effects on their metal outlooks after the war. If it was in today's world, I am sure they would both be having counselling to come to terms with the effects of the war it is a very readable story and leaves you wanting to know how their relationship progresses but I feel the book is more about their feelings for each other than the murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bella fancies herself as a detective and wants to assist in the investigation against the wishes of Tax who is concerned she might be in danger and in fact she is kidnapped. This story has an undercurrent of a frustrated love story post war set in a small community setting. There is a strong attraction between Bella and Jax but the after effects of the war stops them getting together and although they solve the murder with the help an ex policeman and a rookie, the story is more involved with Bella and Jax's feeling for each other and leaves the way for another book in how their relationship progresses and the after effects on their metal outlooks after the war. If it was in today's world, I am sure they would both be having counselling to come to terms with the effects of the war it is a very readable story and leaves you wanting to know how their relationship progresses but I feel the book is more about their feelings for each other than the murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2021
Although I didn’t read any other books in this series, I felt the author did a very good job of filling in background. What drew me to read the book was Bella's having volunteered for the Signal Corps during WWI, however very little of that was actually part of the book. It’s important in any whodunnit to keep the reader guessing, and there were enough suspects to keep me wondering, though it turned out it was who I thought early on. ( No big gasps at the reveal.) The author created some interesting characters for the resort, Ballantyne, particularly Mac, Bella’s family’s partner and now with the death of her brother and parents, hers. Jax, her brother’s best friend, and now the town constable, has a secret he's keeping about something that happened in the war. It prevents him from living out his dream of being the pro at the resort, and so does a war wound. Jax seemed over protective, and at the same time distant from Bella. Actually, the secret Jax is protecting was more interesting than who done it in many ways. But the secret will remain, for another book, I assume. Bella was bright and spunky ( for the time period), but overall I was not sucked into the characters or the murder. I received an advance reader's copy of this book from Book Sirens and this review is voluntary.
December 23, 2022
A tidy little mystery about anger and revenge. World War 1 was an unpopular war with a large swath of Americans. It engendered harsh feelings both for and against. It has cast a long shadow over the Ballantyne Golf Resort and its part owner Bella Stewart. Now a guest at the resort has been brutally killed with several blows from a golf club.Bella must call in Constable Jax Hastings. Once best of friends, possibly headed for something more, the War has come between them. Part amateur detective cozy, part police procedural, the book unfolds at a slow but steady pace. Jax and Bella sift through a few scarce clues and a variety of suspects before arriving at the truth. The author does an excellent job of presenting life in a small Ohio town, and illustrating the people who live there. Though this book can be read as a stand alone novel, I would recommend starting with the first book in the series "A Precarious Homecoming" to get a better feel for the characters.
March 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading A Lingering Shadow the second book in the Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series. This story takes place in 1920. The war is over and Arabella Stewart is struggling to keep her family's resort--Ballantyne and the golf course busy. Her business partner, Mac MacLendon, is almost seventy and her parents and brother have died. She does have Millie Mars as her cook/housekeeper and twin teenaged boys to help her. When one of their guests, Malcalm Monticello, is found dead in his cabin shortly after arriving for a stay, it is up to Constable Jackson "Jax" Hastings and Bella to solve the case. Once again Jax is reluctant to have Bella involved. I like the characters in this series and the writing is good. I look forward to traveling back in time to see what happens next.
August 27, 2021
Set in the US after the first World War. Arabella Stewart's brother died during the war and her parents are no longer living, so along with her old friend Mac' she is desperately trying to keep the golfing holiday resort going.
Unfortunately one of the golfing clients us mysteriously murdered and her old childhood friend Jax who is the local policeman is called to investigate the murder. As Arabella is desperate to preserve the reputation of the resort, she does what she can to help the investigation.
This was definitely a different type of book for me, but I enjoyed it and wanted Arabella and Jax to come to an amicable agreement and find the killer.
I will definitely read more Arabella Stewart books when they come along
Unfortunately one of the golfing clients us mysteriously murdered and her old childhood friend Jax who is the local policeman is called to investigate the murder. As Arabella is desperate to preserve the reputation of the resort, she does what she can to help the investigation.
This was definitely a different type of book for me, but I enjoyed it and wanted Arabella and Jax to come to an amicable agreement and find the killer.
I will definitely read more Arabella Stewart books when they come along
July 4, 2021
I received this book a few days ago as a gift from the author. There were no contingencies just that I would consider reading the book and writing and honest review, but no pressure in any way to read the novel. I do want to share with my fellow readers that this was a good read. I got hooked right away and spend a long weekend putting the book and myself to bed. The storyline is excellent and well planned out. The characters are well developed. I am ready to plunge off into the next issue.
August 5, 2021
I really wanted to like this but felt that the mystery was totally overshadowed by the relationship between Bella and Jax. The frequent references to Jax’s role in Bella’s brother Matt’s death and the conflict he felt became off putting. The setting was well described but I never had a clear picture of the main characters. The mystery plot was well formulated with some nice twists and red herrings.
April 29, 2025
Okay, but a little clumsy at times
The characters are mostly fine,but their reactions are occasionally overdone; would I even say twee? Although I did enjoy the story and read through to the end, I'd like a little more realism in the psychological playout of characters and their emotions and actions. Occasionally, this reads like a soap opera, not always, but often enough for me to rate it at 3 rather than 4.
The characters are mostly fine,but their reactions are occasionally overdone; would I even say twee? Although I did enjoy the story and read through to the end, I'd like a little more realism in the psychological playout of characters and their emotions and actions. Occasionally, this reads like a soap opera, not always, but often enough for me to rate it at 3 rather than 4.
July 26, 2021
I generally love 1920's murder mysteries. I love the descriptions of clothes, entertaining and stories of war. This one was a little bit of a slow burn for me though. I loved the characters and the small town, everyone knows everyone feels but once it was about solving the crime, I struggled to stay into it. I did finish the book and was glad I got to the resolution though!
August 6, 2021
On one level this is a murder mystery. On another it is a sympathetic treatment of the after effects of war on those who had to fight, those who supported them and those left behind and often bereaved. War also had its effect on the communities of those who went to war. And that is the setting, the aftermath of the 1st world war, against which this novel plays out.
Bella lost both her parents and her brother. Jax lost his best friend and his chance to live his boyhood dream of becoming a golf pro. Bella is trying to resurrect her parents' golf resort while Jax has become the town constable. When one of Bella's guests is murdered the two are thrown together again so that perhaps they can also resurrect their former closeness.
The mystery is well constructed but I could not help feeling more sorry for the murderer than for the victim. It is all to do with the horror of war, you see.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bella lost both her parents and her brother. Jax lost his best friend and his chance to live his boyhood dream of becoming a golf pro. Bella is trying to resurrect her parents' golf resort while Jax has become the town constable. When one of Bella's guests is murdered the two are thrown together again so that perhaps they can also resurrect their former closeness.
The mystery is well constructed but I could not help feeling more sorry for the murderer than for the victim. It is all to do with the horror of war, you see.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2023
Good book, sloppily edited
I really like the story which is why I get all the more annoyed when the exact same phrase is repeated or there are minor errors that should have gone with a proofreading. Im still giving it 4/5 but If you are easily irritated by these kinds of things beware.
I really like the story which is why I get all the more annoyed when the exact same phrase is repeated or there are minor errors that should have gone with a proofreading. Im still giving it 4/5 but If you are easily irritated by these kinds of things beware.
April 17, 2022
War Does Strange Things
World War 1 was over. Some soldiers came back and many did not. Set in the turbulence Things happen and people change. That is the backdrop of this mystery. I think you will like the characters and enjoy the mystery.
World War 1 was over. Some soldiers came back and many did not. Set in the turbulence Things happen and people change. That is the backdrop of this mystery. I think you will like the characters and enjoy the mystery.
May 10, 2025
Bella is a smart lady
Bella arrives home in Ohio after serving in WW1. Determined to keep the family resort and the weekend she opens a guest is murdered. The news gets out and people start cancelling. This needs to be resolved right away.
Bella arrives home in Ohio after serving in WW1. Determined to keep the family resort and the weekend she opens a guest is murdered. The news gets out and people start cancelling. This needs to be resolved right away.
July 12, 2021
It took me a few chapters to get in to the book but once I did I really enjoyed it, the characters have a depth to them and the story line keeps you guessing to the end.
September 30, 2023
I wish Jax would just kiss her. I really enjoyed this book, it gives you more of a sense of what some people came home to.
June 20, 2025
A simple mystery. Nice characters in the book. Kind of boring when they keep repeating in their heads the reason they can't have a relationship.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews