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Divided Lives
Mystery, blackmail, love, and crime. Lottie tries to figure out who to trust as she navigates through the trial of a lifetime.
New York City (1912) is a city divided: Greenwich Village where rejected tradition is regularly flouted, and Manhattan where it is strictly upheld. Lottie Flannigan successfully balances both sides. While embracing a bohemian lifestyle, she maintains a legal career clerking for conservative Justice Goff in Midtown. Committed and dedicated, Lottie begins work on a high-profile criminal case involving local Police Officer Charles Becker.
Suddenly her professional and personal lives collide as she finds herself caught in a blackmail scheme that seeks to disclose her most intimate choices if she doesn't do as they say.
In a fascinating look into a scandalous turn-of-the-century trial and ever-changing Greenwich Village social norms, the book puts Lottie in the middle of Police Lieutenant Charles Becker's Conspiracy trial.
New York City (1912) is a city divided: Greenwich Village where rejected tradition is regularly flouted, and Manhattan where it is strictly upheld. Lottie Flannigan successfully balances both sides. While embracing a bohemian lifestyle, she maintains a legal career clerking for conservative Justice Goff in Midtown. Committed and dedicated, Lottie begins work on a high-profile criminal case involving local Police Officer Charles Becker.
Suddenly her professional and personal lives collide as she finds herself caught in a blackmail scheme that seeks to disclose her most intimate choices if she doesn't do as they say.
In a fascinating look into a scandalous turn-of-the-century trial and ever-changing Greenwich Village social norms, the book puts Lottie in the middle of Police Lieutenant Charles Becker's Conspiracy trial.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
8 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 31, 2022
Divided Lives is a clever, more adult-oriented spin-off of Ms. Mullins' successful Notebook Mystery series. In Divided Lives, Lottie, the grown daughter of Dora (the elder sister of Notebook Mysteries MC Emma) is living in New York's Greenwich Village as a lawyer. So, while Lottie is the main character, there are brief scenes with Lottie's family members from Notebook Mysteries, including Emma and Jeremy, who are still together and unmarried. It is clear that Lottie benefitted from having Emma as an aunt and role model. Lottie is fearless, confident, stubborn at times, and well able to take care of herself. She is also unashamedly bisexual despite living in a time when homosexuality is mostly kept a secret. In fact, it is used as a basis for blackmail in this story. Lottie is a clerk for New York Justice John Goff, who presides over a case that has gotten much attention. (I did not realize until the end of the book that this was an actual case that was tried in New York, with the actual names of the participants used!) It is an astute use of history in a suspenseful and engaging story that help my interest from beginning to end. Divided Lives will appeal to fans of historical fiction, crime fiction, and/or mysteries. I highly recommend it! (I received an ARC and the above is my honest opinion.)
November 5, 2022
This was a great book. Normally court related books sort of bore me. This one kept my attention and coming back to it. The plot and characters were great. I had a great time reading this book. I think this book displays people in same sex relationships and corrupted people in charge really well.
October 14, 2022
What an astounding book by K. R. Mullins! Let me just say that if you love her other books from the Notebook Mystery series, then you will totally appreciate reading about the same family but with the main character being Lottie, Emma’s niece. This book is very well-written, and all the feels are in it. The author gives us a bit of background information about the trial of Officer Charles Becker conspiracy trial and sets the stage for a very dramatic story of blackmail, love, crime, family, and betrayal.
Lottie lives in Greenwich village which is known to not follow the mainstream traditions of a big city, but the problem is she is a lawyer for a justice in New York City. So, she must keep her personal life detached or divided from her professional life: so much in fact that while she commutes on her motorbike to work wearing pants but once she arrives at the office she changes into a skirt and adds a clip to her hair so that her short hair is covered and appears to be long hair which was appropriate for women in 1912. From the beginning we see her personal life and her professional life collide as she is blackmailed of pictures with her and her female lover in a compromising situation. Emotions run tense as we find out who is the culprit behind the blackmail and just how many others have been taken advantage of by this lowlife person. With the support of her family and a police officer named Frank, Lottie is saved and can then truly be the person she was meant to be without living a divided life. The characters are easy to love or hate depending on their role in Lottie’s life and the storyline is amazing. The historical information in the book is interesting and really helps set the stage for why a divided life was kept by Lottie and how not all people who wear robes are to be taken at face value. Corruption is in all areas of life and in all sections of the workplace. You must read this book!!!! I just cannot say enough about how wonderful this book really is!!
Lottie lives in Greenwich village which is known to not follow the mainstream traditions of a big city, but the problem is she is a lawyer for a justice in New York City. So, she must keep her personal life detached or divided from her professional life: so much in fact that while she commutes on her motorbike to work wearing pants but once she arrives at the office she changes into a skirt and adds a clip to her hair so that her short hair is covered and appears to be long hair which was appropriate for women in 1912. From the beginning we see her personal life and her professional life collide as she is blackmailed of pictures with her and her female lover in a compromising situation. Emotions run tense as we find out who is the culprit behind the blackmail and just how many others have been taken advantage of by this lowlife person. With the support of her family and a police officer named Frank, Lottie is saved and can then truly be the person she was meant to be without living a divided life. The characters are easy to love or hate depending on their role in Lottie’s life and the storyline is amazing. The historical information in the book is interesting and really helps set the stage for why a divided life was kept by Lottie and how not all people who wear robes are to be taken at face value. Corruption is in all areas of life and in all sections of the workplace. You must read this book!!!! I just cannot say enough about how wonderful this book really is!!
March 16, 2024
Initially I did struggle getting into the book as I felt the writing flow appeared a little ‘clunky’, however the story kept me going and after the first few chapters the flow was much improved and reading the writing style was enjoyable.
There were parts which felt repetitive for example when the main character had thought something, and immediately after the narrative also stated this. This was not common throughout the book but was something that stood out to me as I was reading.
The story line itself was promising and I enjoyed trying to work out what had happened and who was behind it all. The twist ending was enjoyed despite feeling a little rushed.
I also enjoyed the true historical elements which were included, it was clear that the research had been conducted to improve the story and make it feel more real.
I enjoyed how the characters had been written, their individual personalities and how they were linked together was done well, I absolutely loved Lottie and Hen!
There were some interactions which felt a little unnecessary but did not detract from the storyline.
The plot was amazing, and I enjoyed reading the books once the initial flow improved and although the ending was not what I had hoped for and felt a little rushed, it was still satisfying. There were no lose ends and everything seemed to wrap up nicely.
I enjoyed the author’s take on the real trial which is tied into the book at the end, it was insightful and an interesting addition to the book!
There were parts which felt repetitive for example when the main character had thought something, and immediately after the narrative also stated this. This was not common throughout the book but was something that stood out to me as I was reading.
The story line itself was promising and I enjoyed trying to work out what had happened and who was behind it all. The twist ending was enjoyed despite feeling a little rushed.
I also enjoyed the true historical elements which were included, it was clear that the research had been conducted to improve the story and make it feel more real.
I enjoyed how the characters had been written, their individual personalities and how they were linked together was done well, I absolutely loved Lottie and Hen!
There were some interactions which felt a little unnecessary but did not detract from the storyline.
The plot was amazing, and I enjoyed reading the books once the initial flow improved and although the ending was not what I had hoped for and felt a little rushed, it was still satisfying. There were no lose ends and everything seemed to wrap up nicely.
I enjoyed the author’s take on the real trial which is tied into the book at the end, it was insightful and an interesting addition to the book!
November 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and that it had the same feel as the Notebook Diaries. Following Lottie, Tim and Dora's daughter, we learn that she has grown into a fiercely independent woman just like her Aunt Emma. I liked that there was a mystery to be solved and Lottie aimed to seek justice for all. Lottie isn't afraid to have her true self known and grows into string woman. I think it sends a great message to all to not be afraid of who you are. Finally, the ending was another great shock that I did not see coming but brought everything together fantastically.
November 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a fan of this authors Notebook Mysteries series so I was intrigued to see something different from her. I wasn't disappointed. Looking forward to more stories about Lottie!
October 30, 2022
Lottie Flannigan is a young lady living and working in New York City in the year 1912. During the day she maintains a professional appearance while working as a legal clerk for a local law firm in Midtown. Her personal life while living in Greenwich Village is very different from that of her professional life. During her time away from her Conservative job in Midtown, Lottie maintains a Bohemian lifestyle in Greenwich Village where the traditional values of Midtown are rejected.
Lottie can keep her two lives separate until they suddenly collide when she starts working on a high-profile criminal case that involves a local police officer, Charles Becker. Lottie finds herself being blackmailed and risks her personal life being exposed if she does not do what the blackmailers say. Lottie is uncertain as to who she can trust and must risk everything to expose the truth behind who is blackmailing her.
I loved how the author so seamlessly blended fact and fiction together by intertwining the character of young Lottie into a real-life high profile criminal case that occurred in New York City in the year 1912. Lottie is independent, strong, persistent, and determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding who is blackmailing her. Lottie as the niece of Emma from the Notebook Mystery Series, is a lot like her aunt, who makes appearances throughout the book. The author did a wonderful job of blending in topics that were taboo in that time such as exploring one’s sexuality, and the women’s suffrage movement. This book contained mystery, suspense, blackmail, romance, and some steamy sex scenes. A must read for anyone interested in historical crime.
Lottie can keep her two lives separate until they suddenly collide when she starts working on a high-profile criminal case that involves a local police officer, Charles Becker. Lottie finds herself being blackmailed and risks her personal life being exposed if she does not do what the blackmailers say. Lottie is uncertain as to who she can trust and must risk everything to expose the truth behind who is blackmailing her.
I loved how the author so seamlessly blended fact and fiction together by intertwining the character of young Lottie into a real-life high profile criminal case that occurred in New York City in the year 1912. Lottie is independent, strong, persistent, and determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding who is blackmailing her. Lottie as the niece of Emma from the Notebook Mystery Series, is a lot like her aunt, who makes appearances throughout the book. The author did a wonderful job of blending in topics that were taboo in that time such as exploring one’s sexuality, and the women’s suffrage movement. This book contained mystery, suspense, blackmail, romance, and some steamy sex scenes. A must read for anyone interested in historical crime.
October 12, 2022
I have to say I loved this spinoff from the Notebook Mysteries collection. This book was full of crime, blackmailing and risque relationships of the era in which it was written. Lottie does her Aunt Emma justice in being keen on details and quizitive as well as being a woman who doesn't conform to the standards expected of her!
You see Lottie continuously getting frustrated with the Justice she works for. Knowing he's in the wrong and doing some shady law work. It took guts for her to stand up to him, more guts to walk away and do the right thing. When she started linking things in the trial you get the sense that something big was on the horizon for her and for Chris. Though he was shady with his lifestyle, understandably so but I was slightly disappointed that he had not confided that in Lottie. Especially knowing she would have had his back. He knew her lifestyle.
The connection in this book with the past relationship and to her on/off again relationship, did not see that coming at the end!
Coming directly from reading the Notebook Mysteries and then this one. I could not love this author more and this progression of characters more. I was happy to see a happy ending for one of our beloved kids from that series and even more that the family has grown. Like the NM series this book did not disappoint at all and left me wanting another story, another crime, another case, more .... those are the best stories!
You see Lottie continuously getting frustrated with the Justice she works for. Knowing he's in the wrong and doing some shady law work. It took guts for her to stand up to him, more guts to walk away and do the right thing. When she started linking things in the trial you get the sense that something big was on the horizon for her and for Chris. Though he was shady with his lifestyle, understandably so but I was slightly disappointed that he had not confided that in Lottie. Especially knowing she would have had his back. He knew her lifestyle.
The connection in this book with the past relationship and to her on/off again relationship, did not see that coming at the end!
Coming directly from reading the Notebook Mysteries and then this one. I could not love this author more and this progression of characters more. I was happy to see a happy ending for one of our beloved kids from that series and even more that the family has grown. Like the NM series this book did not disappoint at all and left me wanting another story, another crime, another case, more .... those are the best stories!
November 1, 2022
It is 1912 and Lottie Flannigan is a young woman with a divided life in New York, in one half, she is a conservative lawyer who works in Midtown as a clerk for Justice Goff, who is also very conservative in his manner and expects that of his clerks too, however, her other side is a bohemian lifestyle in Greenwich Village, a mixing pot of cultures, lifestyles and it is somewhere where tradition is flouted and individualism is expected.
Lottie is happily living both sides of her life and keeps them well separated, that is until one day her office takes on the very publicised and controversial trial of Police Officer Charles Becker. The trial is one of conspiracy and also one where it could either make, or break a career and that is not just for the officer on trial, it also applies to this involved professionally as well.
This is also where her private and public lives begin to meld when some aspects of her private life are used by an unknown individual to blackmail her into making a choice between keeping her private life just that, private, or not by making demands of her, but they have picked on the wrong person and Lottie goes digging to find out who is behind it and why, all while working long hours on the trial. This is a story of scandal, mystery, crime and love and what the consequences of living a divided life can be in this story which will captivate you from the start and keep you that way all the way to the end.
Lottie is happily living both sides of her life and keeps them well separated, that is until one day her office takes on the very publicised and controversial trial of Police Officer Charles Becker. The trial is one of conspiracy and also one where it could either make, or break a career and that is not just for the officer on trial, it also applies to this involved professionally as well.
This is also where her private and public lives begin to meld when some aspects of her private life are used by an unknown individual to blackmail her into making a choice between keeping her private life just that, private, or not by making demands of her, but they have picked on the wrong person and Lottie goes digging to find out who is behind it and why, all while working long hours on the trial. This is a story of scandal, mystery, crime and love and what the consequences of living a divided life can be in this story which will captivate you from the start and keep you that way all the way to the end.
October 11, 2022
This is an enjoyable and engaging historical crime mystery, set in New York City, in 1912 and the storyline is based on Police Lieutenant Charles Becker's Conspiracy trial. The city is divided between Greenwich Village where rejected tradition is regularly flouted, and Manhattan where it is strictly upheld. The heroine of the story is Lottie Flannigan, and she manages to balance both sides of her life, embracing her bohemian lifestyle whilst working in the legal profession, clerking for conservative Justice Goff in Midtown. Lottie finds herself working on a high profile case which turns into a trial of a lifetime, involving a local Police Officer Charles Becker.
As Lottie’s professional and personal lives collide, she finds herself caught up in a blackmail scheme. With the blackmailer threatening to disclose her most intimate choices, if she doesn't do as they say. Lottie believes it’s related to the Becker trial, but she has to find out who would benefit most from the verdict, and could her missing lover be a part of the scheme. Lottie is a great main character, likeable and relatable, and who I felt engaged with. The authors wonderful descriptive narrative brings the setting vividly to life, and the historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back to 1912. The storyline flowed well and the exciting plot had me hooked from start to finish. I definitely recommend reading this novel.
As Lottie’s professional and personal lives collide, she finds herself caught up in a blackmail scheme. With the blackmailer threatening to disclose her most intimate choices, if she doesn't do as they say. Lottie believes it’s related to the Becker trial, but she has to find out who would benefit most from the verdict, and could her missing lover be a part of the scheme. Lottie is a great main character, likeable and relatable, and who I felt engaged with. The authors wonderful descriptive narrative brings the setting vividly to life, and the historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back to 1912. The storyline flowed well and the exciting plot had me hooked from start to finish. I definitely recommend reading this novel.
October 22, 2022
This author writes wonderful, cozy, mysteries that are unique, and they are great to curl up with and read straight through to the end. Her ideas are original, thrilling, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Divided Lives seems to have connections to this authors other cozy mysteries series, The Notebook Mysteries, and I can attest that if you enjoyed those you will absolutely enjoy this book. As a historical fiction, crime fiction, and true crime fan this book was right up my alley. It was actually based on a true case that was a big contributor to the story. Lottie, our main character, is unashamedly bi-sexual which is another main theme throughout the book, which during this time period was mostly kept under wraps, and secret, and that sets the stage for the blackmail the main character and many others are the target of. Another big focus of the story is how woman are ‘supposed’ to look and ‘supposed’ to behave and I really enjoyed how Lottie pushed through, and busted all of those barriers. I did have a hard time at first with all of the bouncing between the past, and the present, that I usually don’t have issues following, but I found this did smooth out as the book progressed. Overall, this was a wonderful read and I enjoyed all of the authors original thoughts. I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the same genre.
November 3, 2022
Divided Lives is an action packed story, with so much going on! The book bounces around in the time line quite a bit, and uses memories/past events to set the scene. It was sometimes hard to follow all that was going on. The book revolves around Lottie, a successful, unconventional young woman living in early 1900s New York. She is quite ahead of her time, in her profession and her personal life. The "divided lives" refers to the balance of her personal and professional life and the thin line separating them. I enjoyed the story directly relating to her, including her relationships with Henrietta and Danny, Rose, Frank, etc. However, the story surrounding the trial was hard for me to follow. It has a lot of people involved, without much knowledge of the going ons and background. Despite that, I'm impressed with the level of detail the author has. She created a whole world and within it, a whole crime and all the details behind it. I love the authors opinion of what might have been with the trials and guilt.
While this book isn't written as a sequel to the Notebook Mysteries series, and under a different pen name, it has many of the same characters. I recommend both, and look forward to more books by the author.
While this book isn't written as a sequel to the Notebook Mysteries series, and under a different pen name, it has many of the same characters. I recommend both, and look forward to more books by the author.
October 11, 2022
Divided Lives
By: K.R. Mullins
5*
This story is based on actual events that took place in Greenwich Village in 1912. Lottie, our main character, is definitely not one who follows or believes in societal norms. She frequents areas she shouldn’t frequent and keeps with company with people some would be desirable. Despite being considered bohemian, she also holds a very official office. She is a legal clerk for Justice Goff. She has begun working on a very important criminal trial. This trial is very polarizing as it involves a local police officer named Charles Becker. Once, Lottie begins working on this trial she begins being blackmailed. The problem is, these blackmailers are trying to expose areas of her life that she wants to keep hidden.
I loved this story of Lottie and her involvement in this trial. Her struggles seemed so real and I really wanted to learn more about the actual events. I cannot say enough how good this book is! It really makes me want to research the actual case and also Greenwich during this time period! I definitely recommend it, especially to fans of mystery and true crime.
By: K.R. Mullins
5*
This story is based on actual events that took place in Greenwich Village in 1912. Lottie, our main character, is definitely not one who follows or believes in societal norms. She frequents areas she shouldn’t frequent and keeps with company with people some would be desirable. Despite being considered bohemian, she also holds a very official office. She is a legal clerk for Justice Goff. She has begun working on a very important criminal trial. This trial is very polarizing as it involves a local police officer named Charles Becker. Once, Lottie begins working on this trial she begins being blackmailed. The problem is, these blackmailers are trying to expose areas of her life that she wants to keep hidden.
I loved this story of Lottie and her involvement in this trial. Her struggles seemed so real and I really wanted to learn more about the actual events. I cannot say enough how good this book is! It really makes me want to research the actual case and also Greenwich during this time period! I definitely recommend it, especially to fans of mystery and true crime.
October 12, 2022
How this is the first book I’ve read by this author I’m not sure, but it is far from the last! I fell in love with the flow of the story and was swept away quickly with the twists and turns throughout.
Lottie is our main character living in the early 1900’s and does accept the societal standards that are placed on women in her time. She feels relatable as she indulges in what she wants to do instead of what others think she should do. Although she likes her unique independence, she also holds a position as a legal clerk and works on a trial that will change her life. Will people succeed in blackmailing Lottie, bending her to their will, or will she stand her ground for what she believes is right no matter what?
I couldn’t put this down! I appreciate the information about the characters at the end of the book that helped me keep everything straight while I soaked it all in. I love mysteries and this has that and more. K.R. Mullins has quickly become an author I will look for in the future. You won’t regret picking this up, especially if you like historical events and true crime!
Lottie is our main character living in the early 1900’s and does accept the societal standards that are placed on women in her time. She feels relatable as she indulges in what she wants to do instead of what others think she should do. Although she likes her unique independence, she also holds a position as a legal clerk and works on a trial that will change her life. Will people succeed in blackmailing Lottie, bending her to their will, or will she stand her ground for what she believes is right no matter what?
I couldn’t put this down! I appreciate the information about the characters at the end of the book that helped me keep everything straight while I soaked it all in. I love mysteries and this has that and more. K.R. Mullins has quickly become an author I will look for in the future. You won’t regret picking this up, especially if you like historical events and true crime!
October 11, 2022
Historic reads are always good, and this one is no exception. It starts off with multiple jumps, following how Lottie has met and known each character, quickly displacing what time and situation the reader has. Took a few rereads to get acquainted, but once general character introduction and world-building are established, it evens out. We are taken through one general plot, while plagued with another that quickly becomes the main drive for this story. Legal matters eventually lead us to a clerk-led POV, blackmail, all while trying to wade through flashback after flashback.
This story has many points and twists to it, and if you enjoy murder mysteries or anything based on true crime, you’ll enjoy this. It includes a main character who seems to have alternate personalities, both strict conservative during the day and open bisexual liberal when the sunsets. It hints at societal issues seen today, yet deals with the placing of the early 1900s.
Overall, a good read, it took me a little bit to get into it but ended up finishing with a different viewpoint. I would recommend this book as it ties in romance, historic fiction, fantasy, and the openness of the author and characters.
This story has many points and twists to it, and if you enjoy murder mysteries or anything based on true crime, you’ll enjoy this. It includes a main character who seems to have alternate personalities, both strict conservative during the day and open bisexual liberal when the sunsets. It hints at societal issues seen today, yet deals with the placing of the early 1900s.
Overall, a good read, it took me a little bit to get into it but ended up finishing with a different viewpoint. I would recommend this book as it ties in romance, historic fiction, fantasy, and the openness of the author and characters.
October 12, 2022
4 Stars
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins (aka-Kimberly Mullins) is a more ‘grown-up’ story from this talented author. It is a bit of a spin-off from her YA series, Notebook Mysteries- as Lottie (our MC here) is the niece of Emma (our MC from Notebook Mysteries). I loved this connection, as it added more interesting layers to the whole story. And I loved the more ‘grown-up’ elements, topics, and storyline.
This is an intriguing historical mystery with plenty of dramatic developments, blackmail, conspiracy, secrets, suspense, crime & investigation, political ideals of the times, steam, romance, exploring sexuality, a progressive MC, wonderful world-building, and is all based on a true-life trial. The blending of fact and fiction was so cleverly achieved by Ms. Mullins, woven into a truly believable and engrossing story. I love Emma from Notebook Mysteries, but Lottie has given her some serious competition.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Mullins does next.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, K.R. Mullins!
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins (aka-Kimberly Mullins) is a more ‘grown-up’ story from this talented author. It is a bit of a spin-off from her YA series, Notebook Mysteries- as Lottie (our MC here) is the niece of Emma (our MC from Notebook Mysteries). I loved this connection, as it added more interesting layers to the whole story. And I loved the more ‘grown-up’ elements, topics, and storyline.
This is an intriguing historical mystery with plenty of dramatic developments, blackmail, conspiracy, secrets, suspense, crime & investigation, political ideals of the times, steam, romance, exploring sexuality, a progressive MC, wonderful world-building, and is all based on a true-life trial. The blending of fact and fiction was so cleverly achieved by Ms. Mullins, woven into a truly believable and engrossing story. I love Emma from Notebook Mysteries, but Lottie has given her some serious competition.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Mullins does next.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, K.R. Mullins!
October 11, 2022
Lottie is an amazingly independent woman in a time when women are challenging the status quo. A clerk in the Judges office, she finds herself helping with several mysteries. The most important one finds her trying to find out who is setting her up to look like she killed her casual lover, Rose. Could it be the upcoming trial? Who could it be? I have to say I loved this book. Emma, from the YA series had a cameo in parts. Wonderful to see it sort of tied in. Lottie is strong. The other characters all had their own individual personalities that had their own quirks. The
story is well-developed and carries itself. I loved the whole mystery throughout and the suffragettes, protest movement. The tone seemed to be how unfair women’s rights were and we saw that in how Henrietta and the others were treated. There was a little of everything to suit the tastes: humor, murder, mystery, romance, etc. A wonderful book and I hope we’ll see more of Lottie in the adult realm
story is well-developed and carries itself. I loved the whole mystery throughout and the suffragettes, protest movement. The tone seemed to be how unfair women’s rights were and we saw that in how Henrietta and the others were treated. There was a little of everything to suit the tastes: humor, murder, mystery, romance, etc. A wonderful book and I hope we’ll see more of Lottie in the adult realm
November 1, 2022
Divided Lives is a historical drama unlike any other I have had the pleasure of reading. When I started reading, I had no idea it was a lesbian/bisexual romance, or that it would be a steamy romance. Those steamy scenes just aren't for me, and I don't think they add anything to the story line. That is the reason I am giving the three stars, and I'd give it three and a half but it won't let me. I'd give it that half a star extra because I just had to know what happened to Lottie, Rose, Frank, Hen, and all the other fabulous characters.
I recently read the Notebook Mysteries by the same author, different pen name, and was so pleased to be back with those people. I love K.R. Mullins writing style, the details of the time period, and the way she develops her characters. It did take a little bit for me to get used to the flashbacks, the flip-flopping between past and present, but I did get comfortable with it by the end.
I recently read the Notebook Mysteries by the same author, different pen name, and was so pleased to be back with those people. I love K.R. Mullins writing style, the details of the time period, and the way she develops her characters. It did take a little bit for me to get used to the flashbacks, the flip-flopping between past and present, but I did get comfortable with it by the end.
October 12, 2022
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins. I LOVED this book and I stayed up way too late reading it. Its the story of Lottie the grown daughter of Dora from the Notebook Mystery Series. She is an attorney and its during one of the most infamous court cases in New York. Presiding over this case is Judge John Goff and Lottie is his Court Clerk. He is very demanding and sometimes crosses lines that are for his benefit. Lottie is a successful hard working woman which is rare in these times so she is blazing ways for women. She is also a bisexual which is unheard of during this time. Throw in some blackmail against Lottie and you have a great mystery. This book is just as good and in my opinion even better than the Notebook Mystery Series which is saying a lot because I loved them as well. I hope there will be similar books in the future of this author!
October 13, 2022
This turn-of-the-century historical fiction is a great mystery to cozy up with (don’t forget some piping hot tea and fuzzy blanket because you will want to read well past your bedtime!) Once I picked up this book, it was hard for me to put it down and engage in real life - that’s how I know it’s a good one. The setting and characters are set up and developed very well and make for an easy read. I appreciate the back story that the author weaves throughout this book to make Lottie come alive and jump off the page. I have read the Notebook series by this author - and love it - so I knew I would love this one. I was not disappointed. I love the way this author paints the scenes and develops the characters to make you become so invested in their stories that the pages turn without much effort. I highly recommend this author and this book.
October 14, 2022
Divided Lives is a historical fiction tale set in early 20th New York. I have read books by this author before and was intrigued by the blurb about the story. I enjoy stories set in 19th-century Britain but this did not disappoint. Lottie works as a court clerk and wants to keep her professional, and personal life separated. As she becomes embroiled in a high-profile court case, this separation becomes more difficult.
I liked that the author's information about a real court case during this time period made the story all the more interesting. I enjoyed learning about Lottie. She is intelligent and multi-faceted. I hope that there are more books to continue Lottie's story. I can imagine that they would be quite interesting.
I liked that the author's information about a real court case during this time period made the story all the more interesting. I enjoyed learning about Lottie. She is intelligent and multi-faceted. I hope that there are more books to continue Lottie's story. I can imagine that they would be quite interesting.
October 28, 2022
Divided Lives is a Historical Fiction story by K. R. Mullins. I am a big fan of the author’s Notebook Mysteries series and was very happy to see that the protagonist of this story is Emma’s niece, Lottie. Lottie seems to be influenced by her Aunt Emma. She takes risks at a time when women are not allowed and she is definitely her own person. Lottie is a lawyer who finds herself being blackmailed while being involved in a very high-profile case. I really loved the character of Lottie. She navigates her way through her troubles and comes out on the other side living her life the way she chooses to. This is a wonderfully written book full of suspense. The story is a must-read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction and mysteries.
October 12, 2022
If you liked KR’s Notebook Mysteries then you will like Divided Lives which is more adult themed aimed at a slightly older audience. Set in 1912 this historical tale takes us to a time so different than it is today. Where social norms are different and sexuality was a taboo topic and being Bisexual was even more frowned upon and it is because of this we see Lottie caught up in a web of deceit, lies and blackmail. This cozy mystery unfolds with a series of flashbacks and some steamy scenes.
Lottie soon finds herself looking to find the one person who thinks it is ok to expose her private life but she finds so much more.
I look forward to what comes next.
Lottie soon finds herself looking to find the one person who thinks it is ok to expose her private life but she finds so much more.
I look forward to what comes next.
October 13, 2022
This was an interesting read! It's very reminiscent of the authors Notebook Mysteries series, and there are even some references to the characters from that series. You don't have to read that series to read this book, it's more or less like an Easter egg. This was en enthralling and mysterious read (it is a mystery crime book) with some thrilling scenes sprinkled in which just what I've come to expect from this author. I loved the historical and even scandalous aspects of this book too. I felt a little like a rebel reading it! I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in the future!
October 17, 2022
The author does it again with the historical fiction series I love so much! Divided lives was a jam packed book filled with twists and turns, just like the author is known for. The important part of the story is to recall that Lottie is living in historical times, and has this lover that is a woman that she has a somewhat secret separate life with, aside from her role as a law clerk by day. Well just like any book by this author there is a huge mystery to solve, and the threat of losing her secret by night is looming, as she investigates her own boss! Lottie goes through so much in this story and the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat! What happens? Well YOU need to read this book to find out!
October 12, 2022
A more grown up mystery by K.R Mullins (Kimberly Mullins) of the Notebook Mysteries (a YA series).
I had very high hopes for this one, and it lived up to all my expectations! Mullins doesn't disappoint! This book could easily be read by lovers of a few genres, historical fiction, true crime, mystery. Mullins ties in all 3 genres beautifully. Her character tie-in from her notebook mystery series, is something that made me love this even more. (It is not at all necessary to read the separate series, but it is a great series). This was an easier read, could have easily been read in one sitting if my schedule allowed. A must read for sure!
I had very high hopes for this one, and it lived up to all my expectations! Mullins doesn't disappoint! This book could easily be read by lovers of a few genres, historical fiction, true crime, mystery. Mullins ties in all 3 genres beautifully. Her character tie-in from her notebook mystery series, is something that made me love this even more. (It is not at all necessary to read the separate series, but it is a great series). This was an easier read, could have easily been read in one sitting if my schedule allowed. A must read for sure!
October 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this historic mystery read! These books aren’t my typical books I would pick up, but I’m glad I did! It held my attention till the very last page. And there’s romance? I’m a sucker for a good love story! Lotties sexual preference isn’t what was really heard of back in the day. So when someone finds out she’s bisexual, they want to use it to their own advantage! It’s a spin off from the notebook mystery series so I LOVED reading about Emma and Jeremy again. I’ve read one book from that series and I really enjoyed that one too! Highly recommend this!
October 12, 2022
I’m such a fan for a good historical fiction book this did not disappoint. Like a great movie, the cast is made up of a group of fantastic characters, especially Lottie, Rose, Chris, & Lisette.
The overall story harbors all levels of murder, mystery, drama and the court room shenanigans reminds me of a great true-crime drama.
The plot is entertaining and the fast paced story will keep you engaged.
Another great book by this gifted author!
The overall story harbors all levels of murder, mystery, drama and the court room shenanigans reminds me of a great true-crime drama.
The plot is entertaining and the fast paced story will keep you engaged.
Another great book by this gifted author!
October 13, 2022
This is a story about the historical police and judicial corruption in New York City during the early twentieth century. Per her usual, the author features a strong heroine who works in a typically male-dominated field. I found it thrilling to see the glimpses into the professional life of a pioneering female attorney. It was very interesting to see some of the hidden culture of that time period. The characters face issues in their lives that resonate with people today.
October 23, 2022
I expected to be another book about Emma, cause obviously I never read the blurb, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was about her niece, Lottie.
My goodness, there is so much going on in this book and I love it so much.
Lottie is such an independent woman, very hardworking and also very open to relationships..and one or both of those are back to screw with her..I def didn’t expect the twist near the end but I am sure glad for how it went. Hopefully we will get more tales from Lottie.
My goodness, there is so much going on in this book and I love it so much.
Lottie is such an independent woman, very hardworking and also very open to relationships..and one or both of those are back to screw with her..I def didn’t expect the twist near the end but I am sure glad for how it went. Hopefully we will get more tales from Lottie.
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