Deadly Intent: A Reggie da Costa Mystery

Reggie da Costa Mystery #2

by Laraine Stephens

It is October 1923. What looks like a routine report, on the heavy rains battering Melbourne, becomes another case of murder for The Argus’s celebrated crime reporter, Reggie da Costa, devotee of fashionable suits and flamboyant automobiles. A flooded basement hides a ghastly secret: the decomposing remains of Cornelius Stout, a wealthy widower, who has been missing for over two years. With an unlikely partner in straitlaced Dotty Wright, Reggie pursues a cold-blooded, manipulative killer with deadly intentions.

Deadly Intent is the second in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries.

Genres: Historical, Crime

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2022

About the author

After nearly forty years of working as a teacher-librarian and Head of Library, Laraine Stephens decided to experience life on the other side of the bookshelves and became a writer of historical crime fiction.

Her debut novel, 'The Death Mask Murders', the first in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries, was published by Level Best Books, in 2021. 'Deadly Intent' followed in May 2022, with 'A Deadly Game' in 2023, ‘Lies and Deception’ in 2024 and ‘The White Feather Murders’ in 2025.

Laraine is a member of Sisters in Crime Australia, the Australian Crime Writers Association, the Crime Writers Association of the UK, and International Thriller Writers.

When she isn’t writing, travelling or playing golf, Laraine speaks to groups and clubs about the historical background to her novels and her path to being a published author. Laraine lives in Beaumaris, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Bob, and her maladjusted red toy poodle, Zoe.

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hardly know where to begin praising this mystery. A vivid, chilling beginning that immediately launches into a complex mystery that gives you the elements you need to solve the case. This story includes multiple murders, a case of false identity, a possible black widow on the prowl! I received a copy to review through Booksirens and I'm so glad I did! The mystery was well paced throughout, though I did wish the ending was longer. I also would’ve loved more information on Dolores, maybe a chapter from her perspective? But I understand why that wasn’t really an option. Not a criticism, just praise that the characters are so well written I wish I could learn more about them. The main character Reggie is perfect in his faults and talents. Seeing him grow, struggle, and mature throughout the book was perfect. I hope the author writes more with these characters. I’d be delighted to follow a series!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a light, easy read, and it was a lot of fun. It had a cosy, comforting feel, and I liked the detective.

This was a historical mystery set in Melbourne, so in that sense, it reminded me of the Miss Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. I wonder if fans of those books would also like this.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Well written!
Descriptive!
Page turner!
Well paced!
Suspenseful!
Intreging!
Interesting characters!
Don't miss!
Read! Enjoy!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had enjoyed the Death Mask Murders, so I was excited to read Deadly Intent. It had exactly what I wanted when I read the the first book. It does a great job with creating a good mystery and had interesting characters. I really enjoyed the way Laraine Stephens writes and can't wait for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donan Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Intent, a crime mystery/historical by Laraine Stephens, expands the prologue’s drowning death of an unidentified man locked into a box that’s dumped into a river into an expansive list of Australian disappearances and murders in the 1920s. Deadly Intent builds its police procedural, whodunit plot on the professional and personal lattice of 1923 Melbourne crime reporter Reggie Da Costa, thirty-six years of age, nattily dressed, single, and aspirational.

While a showcase of exceptional writing, the prologue adds nothing to later exploits. There are gangsters, two notable; false documents, e.g., a fake official birth certificate; a terrace apartment house with suspects galore, and the personal tragedies inflicted on persons in the aftermath of World War I and the 1923 police strike.

Sprinkled throughout are enough references to money and marriage to conjure up the notion the period being written about is not too long after the Jane Austen novels, but without the emphasis of enhancing a woman’s role in society that British Author Thomas Hardy championed.

The sheer multitude in the cast of characters requires the reader to pay attention. With the huge character list, descriptive narrative abounds, which adds occasional sluggishness. The suggested tonic would’ve been stronger action verbs.

It’s expected there will be a divisive reader split. History buffs will be overjoyed. Thriller readers, not so much.

Reviewer Donan Berg is a Goodreads author of twelve novels in genres of romance, mystery, and fantasy. He received an advance review copy for free, and notes he leaves this review voluntarily.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an email from the author letting me know that her new book was available if I wanted to check it out. Having really enjoyed her first book The Death Mask Murders, I jumped at the opportunity.

Reggie de Costa works on the crime beat for a local Melbourne, Australia newspaper in the early 1920's. As an investigative reporter he always has his nose where it typically doesn't belong. He is 40-ish and considers himself to be quite dapper, in his nice suits and bright yellow car. He lives with his mother and his job is his life. His mother, despite her sordid past (a philandering husband that left her destitute) she still keeps within a wealthier circle of friends. One of her friends asks Reggie to investigate a suicide, seeing as he had success solving the Death Mask Murders, and while he is doing so, he discovers a body, hidden in an old trunk, in a dank old basement. Turns out to be the body of a wealthy missing man.

They story is full of twists and turns as Reggie starts to see that this wealthy missing man is but one of many. Almost all of whom had been poisoned with rat poison. He starts digging into the backgrounds of each man and starts to find a common denominator to all the men, a tawdry woman named, Rita Savage. Reggie often works with the police, sort of a tit for tat when it comes to information, but the new detective isn't very fond of outsider help. He decides to go it alone and ends up almost becoming a victim himself. Can Reggie find out who the killer of all these men is before it's too late?

I really liked this story overall. There were a couple of chapters that were a little long due to deep descriptions of scenes that I felt weren't necessary, but the majority of the book is so fantastic that I can overlook that. I love the world building this author brings to the table and I always love a good period piece. Being that its set in the 1920's, we get a glimpse into a different time for everyone, a time when wearing something as innocent seeming like red lipstick was scandalous. My only hope is that Reggie will find someone that will make him happy and perhaps help him grow up a bit. I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Narrelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Deadly Intent, we revisit Reggie de Costa – a crime journalist for The Argus who made his name solving Melbourne’s 1918 Death Mask Murders (Book 1 of the series). Reggie is a not entirely likeable hero – vain, flashy, proud and looking to marry money – but he’s also charismatic, brave, vulnerable, and very good at his job.

The story opens with a victim’s-eye-view prologue: the 1919 murder of Edmund Stout by persons unknown. Soon the tale has moved on to 1923 flooding of the Yarra River. Reggie isn’t best thrilled to be covering suburban natural disasters, but his irritation turns to eagerness when he’s the one to discover a body in a sealed trunk stowed away in a previously locked and abandoned basement.
His natural enthusiasm for investigation combined with the notorious 1923 police strike (and attendant riots) leads Reggie to dive into prodding, probing and charming his way through various suspects, incidents and dangerous antagonists.

At the same time, he gains a colleague in distant family friend, Dotty Wright, after he undertakes some investigative work for her, unravelling the mystery surrounding her recently deceased neighbour.

Schoolteacher Dotty is a little dowdy and eminently sensible, and her level-headedness and integrity make her an excellent foil for the sometimes rash and flamboyant Reggie. Their growing friendship is one of the great pleasures of this book, along with the exploration of 1920s Melbourne, from dance halls and cafes to scruffy suburbs and posh streets.

The prose is sometimes more tell than show, with chunks of character description that might have been better explored through character interaction and dialogue. The last section of the book, when the plot isn’t as done as it seems, isn’t quite as satisfying as the rest, but the whole story moves swiftly along, and made more enjoyable by its contrasting protagonists.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. Calling all "Miss Fisher" fans...there's a new Aussie Roaring 20s historical series for you to peruse. Reggie de Costa is a reporter for Melbourne's daily newspaper and while reporting on the aftermath of a freak storm he finds a murdered man in a basement. Now it's personal and he endeavors to uncover the truth and discovers other deaths. Reggie is a dapper dandy who drives a flash car and seems at first to be shallow and self absorbed. Ensuing events prove challenging and reveal his integrity and determination. This is a complex mystery featuring an engaging cast of supporting characters and smooth plotting. Part police procedural, part period piece this historical crime novel would appeal to many readers.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Intent is an intense murder mystery set in 1923 Port Melbourne, Australia. We follow protagonist Reggie da Costa, Head Crime reporter on the Argus daily newspaper. He is assisted in his research by Miss Dottie Wright, a school teacher, first his friend and then his landlord. Reggie imagines himself infatuated with wealthy socialite Lily Stroud who along with her twin Henry are the sole remaining family of wealthy Cornelius Stroud. a man now counted among the dead. Once they start looking, there are many among the missing over the last several years - older men, some in poor health, all of whom just up and left town, never to return, write home, or make a call. If you add in a couple of older newly wedded husbands who died of 'natural causes', the numbers can go into the double digits.

Reggie's cop connection is Detective Sergeant Michael O'Flanagan. But it's hard for either of them to make forward progress as now that they are actively looking, more bodies are turning up. Many have been poisoned with rat poison. Add in the distractions as Australia-wide, policemen walk off the job when labor union attempts come to naught, adding to the problems caused by that new drug, cocaine, making its way into Australian cities big and small. Maybe Reggie's search for a wealthy socialite wife must be put on the back burner until he, with the help of Dottie, can solve this local serial killer mystery. They must find the common denominator.

I received a complimentary ARC of this excellent Australian mystery from BookSirens, author Laraine Stephens, and publisher Level Best Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. One of the Reggie da Costa mystery series, Deadly Intent is completely stand-alone. I am pleased to recommend Laraine Stephens to friends and family. She writes a tight tale with clearly defined characters and a good sense of background comes through her words.

Reviewed on August 15, 2022, at Goodreads and BookSirens. Reviewed on September 10 on AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for reviews on BookBub or Kobo.

[Folded Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a great read ! Wasn’t really expecting such twists and tension! Highly recommended book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reggie Da Costa is back and this time, he has found a body crammed in a trunk in a flooded basement, a potentially huge story for the journalist with a highly inflated ego. In DEADLY INTENT, book two of the Reggie Da Costa mystery series, author Laraine Stephens gives us a fast-paced read with a thick and complex plot that twists and turns right up to the very end. History buffs will love the 1920s Australia setting. Stephens clearly knows her stuff! This was a fun read and I look forward to more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Reggie da Costa Mystery series from local author Laraine Stephens, DEADLY INTENT is set in Melbourne, in October 1923.

In this outing, heavy rains have battered Melbourne, and local crime reporter Reggie da Costa finds himself at the centre of a story when he discovers that a trunk, hidden away in what became a flooded basement, contains the decomposing remains of a wealthy widower. Cornelius Stout has been missing for two years, and it doesn't take long for da Costa, and his sidekick in this outing - teacher Dotty Wright - to uncover other missing wealthy men.

Whilst DEADLY INTENT is the second in this series, it would work for readers as an introduction to the series, which leans to the investigative / cozier end of the genre.

If you're new to the series, da Costa is an interesting sort of central character. A dandy, preoccupied with the way he looks, the car he drives, the impression he makes and the direction he's heading. He's aspirational, opinionated, determined, and yet there's something alternatively vulnerable and oddly dodgy about him. A devoted son, who makes a stand, moving out of his home with his mother when his philandering father returns much to his disgust. A new home and a new sidekick land in his lap at just the right time. Dotty Wright has asked for his help to explain why her next door neighbour, who committed suicide suddenly, has also left her everything. da Costa's attitude to Dotty Wright is both lovely, and mildly annoying. Really enjoy this aspect of these novels - these characters feel very real, and the reader's reactions are allowed to be ambiguous.

The historical setting of the series is, however, its great strength. The investigative aspects are old fashioned foot-slog and thinking. Finding coincidences and chasing them down, looking for the things that don't fit stories and following them into dark corners.

Along with that there's a depiction of a different society. Reggie's mother, despite her dire circumstances, moves in wealthy and influential circles. It's her connections that get him into places he might not otherwise go, his ability to follow a story keeps him moving forward, and his background means he can move through all sorts of different circumstances, and interact with a lot of different people - although this time, his interactions with local gangsters don't go so well. The little details of the time - Squizzy Taylor references - suburbs and areas that are very different nowadays will be of considerable interest to Melbourne-ites in particular.

There's lots of twists and turns in DEADLY INTENT, and there are a lot of characters and backgrounds built in, so you'll need to pay attention. There are a few points where things get a little bogged down in description and what felt like a few too many byways, but this will be a minor quibble for anyone who likes historical crime fiction with a really strong sense of place and time.

When I reviewed the first book in the series (THE DEATH MASK MURDERS) I commented:

"Overall an interesting idea, and an interesting cast of characters, but you do really have to wonder where the series is going to go with the flagged "star of the show" (a description that you can't help but suspect he'd like a lot) being very much a bit player here."

The first book had da Costa sharing the limelight with a female sidekick who kind of stole the show, and I really did wonder how he would step out of her shadow. The answer is particularly pleasing, another strong female sidekick, able to hold her own against da Costa's showboating, a friendship with touches of well deserved annoyance on Dotty's part - I really liked the way that da Costa might remain the main character, but he's nothing without the women around him.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having worked his way up to the position of Senior Crime Reporter for Melbourne’s The Argus newspaper, Reggie Da Costa is looking for the next big story. And, perhaps more importantly, the next big fashion, and that fabulous young heiress he needs to support him before he ages beyond appeal.
Much to his disappointment, Reggie is assigned to report on the aftermath of a series of storms which have flooded several areas of inner-city Melbourne. While snooping in the basement of a damaged building, Reggie discovers the remains of a murdered wealthy widower, Cornelius Stout. He jumps on the case and quickly realises that there is a string of unsolved murders of wealthy single men. Reggie, with the assistance of sensible school ma’am Dotty Wright (and this is a story in itself), works to uncover the mystery with the occasional help of Melbourne’s underworld and the local constabulary.
Reggie da Costa is a charmingly flawed character. He is the definitive peacock, a dedicated follower of fashion and more than a bit of a ladies’ man. Aside from his journalistic aspirations, his heart’s desire is to win the love and wealth of a young, beautiful, well-connected heiress who will keep him in the lifestyle to which he hopes to become accustomed. We all know and love a Reggie, they usually wind up sleeping on your sofa for weeks at a time when their latest relationship flops. But it is not just Reggie, all of the characters are believable, some likeable and many relatable, be they his long-suffering mother, cad of a father, gruff media and police associates, society belles, or underworld connections. Each offers that special something to Reggie’s life, and add colour to the story.
Stephens’ descriptions of 1920s Melbourne transport you to the era. You feel a part of the sights and sounds of inner-city life, imagining every street, scene, and person with great detail.
The plot builds smoothly, with many twists and turns and engaging subplots. You are kept on your toes right up until the end. And it is more than just solving the crime; you need to know if Reggie sorts his family relationships, and which poor girl he draws into his world. The chapters are short grabs, making the book easy to read and hard to put down.
“Deadly Intent” is the second instalment in the Reggie da Costa series. It reads as a stand-alone novel, but I must admit that if I wasn’t reading this book for the purpose of review, I would have immediately put it down and sourced the first one. This is such wonderful fun and super read for anyone looking for an entertaining escape.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved pretty much everything about it. If you enjoy cosy mysteries like the works of Kerry Greenwood, you will love “Deadly Intent” by Laraine Stephens.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story with a not so likeable main character (IMHO), hence 4 stars - 5 for the story, 3 for the main character. Reggie da Costa is an investigative reporter on the crime beat for the local Melbourne, Australia newspaper in the 1920s. The location was a draw for me because my daughter lived in Melbourne for over a year and I had the pleasure of visiting the city. When Reggie visits the jail, I know just what he's talking about since I visited the old jail while there. I digress. Reggie considers himself quite the dandy, dressing well and driving a sporty car, but he lives with his mother and is 40-ish with no girlfriend. His job is his life. He is asked by his mother's friend to investigate a suicide and as he does that, he discovers the body of a missing wealthy man. The story really takes off from there, with red herrings and mistakes a-plenty made by both Reggie and the police. Reggie meets a couple of prospective brides along the way. I'll say no more about the story so as not to give away any more of the plot. As I said above, it's a good story and will hold your interest.

My problem is with Reggie. He is very shallow, again IMHO, and tends to treat people rather callously. He believes his investigative skills are unmatched, thanks to solving a murder in book one of the series, and he withholds information from the police so he can once again be the hero and solve the crime. He is very concerned about his looks and his comfort - no wonder he doesn't have a girlfriend. He is more interested in the finances of potential mates who can provide a comfy lifestyle than he is in marrying for love. We learn a lot about Reggie's family history in this book and it does explain to some degree why he is the way he is, and I saw some growth by the end of this book. I hope the author will continue that growth in future books, because she has written a darned good mystery here and while the main character doesn't have to be perfect, it sure helps to be a little bit more likeable.

Bottom line, if you can tolerate Reggie, you're in for a fine story from Laraine Stephens. I liked reading about Melbourne, a city I very much enjoyed visiting. Here's hoping Reggie will continue to grow and perhaps see a future with one of the less wealthy women he knows.

I received an advance review copy of Deadly Intent for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.

[Scuffed Granny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Deadly Intent as my introduction to Reggie da Costa, the chief reporter of "The Argus". Murder mysteries are always good if they are led by a strong character who, as readers, we can follow as they pursue their investigations, and Laraine Stephens has provided just such a protagonist in her dapper and suave reporter. Whilst he may appear shallow with his eagerness to find a rich bride and maintain a fashionable appearance, Reggie is a seeker of truth and fairness with principles - when it suits.

When Reggie stumbles across a corpse in a trunk, he is determined to find out who did it. This discovery in the narrative comes immediately after an opening chapter that is gripping, as Stephens shows us a similar murder being perpetrated whilst the identity of the killers are kept from us. It was macabre and chilling but beautifully evoked to create atmosphere. It was at this point that I knew this was going to be a good book.

Reggie, with his contact at the police, Sergeant O'Flanagan, and his newly acquired friend, Dotty Wright as source and soundboard respectively, interviews and pursues his line of investigation. This takes him through the seamier parts of Melbourne, encountering gangsters and their henchmen as well as the upper echelons of the city's glitterati. He also has family tensions at home which Stephens includes in her narrative seamlessly.

This is a great murder mystery. Stephens' writing is assured and her plot development is tight, which means that a reader can become fully immersed in her fictional world. Her characters are clearly defined and her dialogue is great. I loved the exchanges between Reggie and Dotty, and Dotty herself as a supporting character provided a strong female presence, astute and rational.

It also has a clear grounding in Melbourne's history with Reggie and Dotty becoming caught up in real-life situations and this all adds to the story.

I would thoroughly recommend this for murder mystery fans who like an easy, fluid and satisfying read. I will be reading more of Stephens' work for sure.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series and I'm only two books in! "Deadly Intent" the second book in the "A Reggie da Costa" series by Laraine Stephens was even better than the first! In this one we get to know Reggie a bit more and find out why he's so loveable, yet so infuriating at the same time. He's got quite the backstory and some of his worst memories are coming back to haunt him when his father, who abandoned him and his mother when he was thirteen moves back in with his mom. Reggie truly loves his mom and only wants the best for his mom, but "dad" is not it.

Meanwhile, several male bodies are showing up and the police don't have any leads, Reggie's all over it and again puts himself in the middle of high crimes to solve the mystery. He's got several suspects, but none are the man the police quickly locked up. Their prisoner is the brother of the woman who asked Reggie to get involved but she's got more on her agenda than getting her brother released and it's going to negatively impact Reggie if he agrees to help. When the murderer was divulged about 3/4 of the way through, I wondered why but after reading on it made perfect sense. The investigation only got more intense, for Reggie anyway.

Fun, exciting, lots of twists and turns and great characters all come together to make a most enjoyable series and book two only cemented what a great series for me to have found. I highly recommend this book and series, but start with book one as it gives you a ton of information about the characters and setting that will make reading this one even more enjoyable. Happy Reading!

[Sue Loncaric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of Deadly Intent by Laraine Stephens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Recent flooding exposes a body in a box in a basement.......and so the mystery begins

I love Reggie da Costa such a colourful, flamboyant character in his designer suits and driving a flashy car. I was immediately taken to the 1920s and enjoyed this book immensely. The combination of Australian history combined with a murder mystery makes Deadly Intent a 5 star read.

As an Australian, I was interested to read the historical events during the time the book is set in the early 1920s. Reggie, crime journalist for The Argus, is on the trail of a good story and also to solve a murder with the help of Dotty Wright, a head teacher and with the opposite personality to Reggie, they make a good team. The story is fast paced and I read the book in one day, I couldn't put it down. A couple of twists to add to the mystery as well.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting mystery book.
Reggie and Dotty are best friends in this mysterious story that includes a two year old murder.
It is October 1923. What looks like a routine report, on the heavy rains battering Melbourne, becomes another case of murder for The Argus’s celebrated crime reporter, Reggie da Costa, devotee of fashionable suits and flamboyant automobiles. A flooded basement hides a ghastly secret: the decomposing remains of Cornelius Stout, a wealthy widower, who has been missing for over two years. With an unlikely partner in straitlaced Dotty Wright, Reggie pursues a cold-blooded, manipulative killer with deadly intentions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another standalone mystery featuring the news reporter Reggie, foppish and conceited to the extent that his bloated self-image severely impairs his judgment. Were it not for the no-nonsense, bright and logical Dotty, Reggie might have been lost and horrid crimes remained unsolved. Deadly Intent features another great mystery plot full of twists, red herrings and well-described scenes, although some of the characters appeared rather flat and stereotyped to me. What really appealed to me was the thorough research of political and social conditions in the Melbourne of 1923, which were adroitly woven into the plot, lending it atmosphere and authenticity.
Muchly recommended for historical mystery buffs!
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author for this entertaining ARC, which permitted me to write this unbiased review.

[Lesley Olariu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series following the adventures of Argus crime reporter Reggie da Costa in 1920’s Melbourne. A time and a place of colourful characters, vividly brought to life by Laraine Stephens.

Some grisly murders have been uncovered and Reggie is first on the scene of one, soon searching for clues and leads alongside a family friend Dottie Wright. Dottie is a schoolteacher, calm and sensible … an unlikely ally to the flash, flamboyant and quite self-centred Reggie who drives a rather star worthy Citroen tourer, (fellow Citroen owner here 😉)

The characters are well fleshed out and the plot evolves at a satisfying pace. Looking forward to reading more in the series. Thanks to Book Sirens for an advance copy and I leave this review voluntarily.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Melbourne, Australia, in the early 1920's, Deadly Intent is the second book in the Reggie da Costa series but easily read as a stand-alone. Reggie da Costa is the senior crime reporter for a local paper, The Argus. He drives a flashy car, puts a lot of energy into his wardrobe and appearance, and is looking for an attractive and rich woman to marry. After he discovers the body of Cornelius Stout, a wealthy widower who disappeared two years earlier, Stout's attractive daughter and heir asks Reggie to investigate, to clear her twin brother of suspicion. An enjoyable, easy-to-read and well-plotted mystery.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free, advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this cosy mystery in the trope of Agatha Christie. Reggie da Costa and Dotty Wright were enjoyable characters who balanced each other out well and kept the story moving. I enjoyed reading about the landmarks and history of Melbourne Australia in 1923 while solving the mystery of the ruthless killer. The story had many twists and characters involved which kept me engaged and entertained. My only criticism was that at times the story travelled slowly and some parts could have moved faster. Overall it was an enjoyable read.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an enjoyable read. I hadn't read the first book but it didn't matter. The book is quite descriptive and the character of Reggie is quite vivid. I liked watching the character develop throughout the book and enjoyed the setting of 1920's Melbourne.

The book was a very easy read and involves a black widow, several murders, gangs and even striking police. It was quite riveting and I enjoyed Reggie's determination to do a thorough investigation.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A welcome different setting than most of the many upon many mysteries set in the 1920s and 1930s of either the United States or Great Britain. Instead this is set in Melbourne with a flamboyant news reporter as the lead who finds some help from a straight-laced socialite to solve a murder of a man found stuffed in a trunk in a flooded basement. The twist and turns are many and the unexpected depths of the characters is a welcome discovery. I would be interested in reading more of this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and I loved this book! With Melbourne crime reporter, Reggie de Costa playing detective as he investigates a murder, the book has light hearted feel, in spite of the seriousness of the crimes. During the course of the story I came to like the character of Reggie. He is vain and fashion conscious, proud of his sense of style, and his beloved car, that is described several times, to emphasise its stylishness and Reggie 's pride in it. This is part of a series that would make great TV, with a catchy theme tune.
A very enjoyable read

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Author publisher's and Book Sirens for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the second Reggie da Costs mystery but the book works perfectly as a standalone story. Set in 1920's Melbourne this is well researched and written, a clever complex murder mystery with plenty of surprises and twists along the way. Engaging and entertaining from the first to last page with quality characters throughout.
Recommended.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1923. Heavy flooding exposes a steamer truck in a basement, one containing the body of wealthy Cornelius Stout. Missing several years. Previously his elder brother also disappeared . Crime reporter, vain and self-absorbed, Reggie da Costa investigates. But what will he uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied characters.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. It hummed along nicely right from the start, and kept me intrigued and interest through to the end. Being an Aussie I love to find a great book set in Australian historical times, and Deadly Intent's setting in Melbourne was perfect. I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a light and entertaining mystery that kept me hooked and guessing. I liked the characters and the vivid background.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jenny Duffy]

I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I have just downloaded the next in the series.
It is well written and easy to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.