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Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #2
Deadly Secrets
A severed foot. Fingerprints left on a wine glass. A secret cypher code. The scent of orange and cinnamon left behind by the murderer.
Mikaela Forsythe, adventuress, author, and now private investigator, is back, pulled into a deadly case that may just see her friend, actress Theodora Templeton, sent to prison for murder when that severed foot is found in her bed and a high-ranking official has gone missing.
But is it a crime of passion or something far more sinister?
There is only one person who can assist--former police inspector Angus Brodie, the irascible Scot who challenges her at every turn. But Brodie is reluctant to take the case of a woman who communicates with the dead and keeps a four foot iguana as a pet. Until there is another murder, and then another.
As the body count rises Mikaela and Brodie are forced to undertake a dangerous scheme to expose the murderer. But secrets lie in wait, and desperate people will take desperate measures to protect those secrets.
All the while Mikaela's great aunt has decided to go on safari, the Mudger and Rupert are caught up in the case, and a brilliant young man--Bloody hell! Another Scot!-- has joined the team.
Then there is that undeniable attraction to deal with that lies simmering just beneath the surface for two people who could not be more different...
What is an independent lady to do?
Mikaela Forsythe, adventuress, author, and now private investigator, is back, pulled into a deadly case that may just see her friend, actress Theodora Templeton, sent to prison for murder when that severed foot is found in her bed and a high-ranking official has gone missing.
But is it a crime of passion or something far more sinister?
There is only one person who can assist--former police inspector Angus Brodie, the irascible Scot who challenges her at every turn. But Brodie is reluctant to take the case of a woman who communicates with the dead and keeps a four foot iguana as a pet. Until there is another murder, and then another.
As the body count rises Mikaela and Brodie are forced to undertake a dangerous scheme to expose the murderer. But secrets lie in wait, and desperate people will take desperate measures to protect those secrets.
All the while Mikaela's great aunt has decided to go on safari, the Mudger and Rupert are caught up in the case, and a brilliant young man--Bloody hell! Another Scot!-- has joined the team.
Then there is that undeniable attraction to deal with that lies simmering just beneath the surface for two people who could not be more different...
What is an independent lady to do?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
641 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 9, 2023
Kindle unlimited offered me a deal I couldn't refuse so I was able to finish the book rather than never knowing what happened in the last 13%. I am enjoying this series and plan to read the next. The main characters play well off each other. Mikaela reminds me a bit of Veronica Speedwell's character in that she is independent and intelligent. Also, the time period is seeing more woman coming into the workforce, often times at low level jobs but able to move about more freely in the community.
February 14, 2023
Another pretty good excursion with Brodie and Forsythe. Most of my problems from the first book are still prevalent here, but I think if you approach this book as pure popcorn flick style, you'll look past most things and just enjoy the story. Even with my problems, it's got a good enough story and characters that you can enjoy the experience.
Quick hits:
+ Brodie and Forsythe have great chemistry and it's fun to read their interactions.
+ All the characters have a role in the story and don't feel like filler.
+ Forsythe is independent without being stupid and putting herself in ridiculous situations.
- The writing is pretty inconsistent. There are moments where it feels like a chapter was a part of two different writing sessions. You'll read a paragraph where Mikaela says something, and then regurgitates the same thought or explanation 2 paragraphs later just in a slightly different way.
- Brodie is inconsistently Scottish again. It's better than book 1, but still noticeable. Maybe it's only supposed to be when he's angry?
- The culprit is fairly obvious considering the confines of the story and available suspects. The resolution was really rushed in explaining the reasoning in the last chapter which was slightly annoying.
- We spend so much time talking about Brodie's mysterious backstory with barely any dog fooding of hints or information that it starts to make me care much less about what it actually is. It's hinted at so many times in this story with no push towards revelation that it feels like the reveal is going to be disappointing and something really as simple as one case that he disagreed with and walked away.
So why 3 stars? Because again, if you approach this as a purely cozy and popcorn flick style, it's enjoyable enough to have some fun. But I wouldn't go into this expecting to be blown away. I had plenty to complain about here while reading, but I still read the whole thing and enjoyed it overall. If you read book 1, it's more of the same and if you're looking for a quick and easy cozy, I'd recommend this to you. I'll likely keep picking up the books in the series as I need a palette cleanser.
Quick hits:
+ Brodie and Forsythe have great chemistry and it's fun to read their interactions.
+ All the characters have a role in the story and don't feel like filler.
+ Forsythe is independent without being stupid and putting herself in ridiculous situations.
- The writing is pretty inconsistent. There are moments where it feels like a chapter was a part of two different writing sessions. You'll read a paragraph where Mikaela says something, and then regurgitates the same thought or explanation 2 paragraphs later just in a slightly different way.
- Brodie is inconsistently Scottish again. It's better than book 1, but still noticeable. Maybe it's only supposed to be when he's angry?
- The culprit is fairly obvious considering the confines of the story and available suspects. The resolution was really rushed in explaining the reasoning in the last chapter which was slightly annoying.
- We spend so much time talking about Brodie's mysterious backstory with barely any dog fooding of hints or information that it starts to make me care much less about what it actually is. It's hinted at so many times in this story with no push towards revelation that it feels like the reveal is going to be disappointing and something really as simple as one case that he disagreed with and walked away.
So why 3 stars? Because again, if you approach this as a purely cozy and popcorn flick style, it's enjoyable enough to have some fun. But I wouldn't go into this expecting to be blown away. I had plenty to complain about here while reading, but I still read the whole thing and enjoyed it overall. If you read book 1, it's more of the same and if you're looking for a quick and easy cozy, I'd recommend this to you. I'll likely keep picking up the books in the series as I need a palette cleanser.
December 21, 2022
This is second in a mystery series that I’m really enjoying.
The unlikely duo of Brodie, a mysterious and stubborn Scot (former Inspector) and Mikaela, an unconventional and fiercely independent mystery writer are asked to help absolve their friends of a murder accusation…a murder which begins with a tattooed foot. As the body count rises, they begin to uncover treasonous motives which lead them to desperately dangerous actions to unmask the killer.
I loved the characters, both main and secondary, as they are well-developed, and the humor was also a fun plus. My only two frustrations were repeat mentions of things already touched on (editing issue) and the author’s propensity to use the same colorful swear term over and over and over…the latter really felt out-of-hand.
A good read with hopefully more on the way.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing the free early arc of Deadly Secrets for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
The unlikely duo of Brodie, a mysterious and stubborn Scot (former Inspector) and Mikaela, an unconventional and fiercely independent mystery writer are asked to help absolve their friends of a murder accusation…a murder which begins with a tattooed foot. As the body count rises, they begin to uncover treasonous motives which lead them to desperately dangerous actions to unmask the killer.
I loved the characters, both main and secondary, as they are well-developed, and the humor was also a fun plus. My only two frustrations were repeat mentions of things already touched on (editing issue) and the author’s propensity to use the same colorful swear term over and over and over…the latter really felt out-of-hand.
A good read with hopefully more on the way.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing the free early arc of Deadly Secrets for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
February 6, 2024
I enjoyed this second book of the series following after the first, but I think I had better leave the series for a bit to better enjoy the third and future books.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
May 25, 2023
This is a fun series with exciting plots, likable characters and plenty of suspense and humour.
I enjoy the inter-play between Mikaela and Brodie very much. It is reminiscent of the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn or the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. Both characters are smart, determined and independent. They play off against one another very nicely.
The plot here was interesting and exciting with plenty of twists and turns.
I also enjoy the supporting characters in the series. Mikaela's aunt, the Mudger and the dog are all used well to entertain as well as help move the story along.
Overall this is a well written, entertaining series and I will read more books in future.
I enjoy the inter-play between Mikaela and Brodie very much. It is reminiscent of the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn or the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. Both characters are smart, determined and independent. They play off against one another very nicely.
The plot here was interesting and exciting with plenty of twists and turns.
I also enjoy the supporting characters in the series. Mikaela's aunt, the Mudger and the dog are all used well to entertain as well as help move the story along.
Overall this is a well written, entertaining series and I will read more books in future.
January 29, 2024
I am loving this series. This second book was more interesting than the first one, mostly because there was more action.
We meet a couple new secondary characters, Lucy (newspaper reporter) and Tommy O Rouke (small time thief).
I like to see how the romance between Brodie and Mikaela is progressing.
I took off a star for some historical inaccuracies and contemporary language I noticed.
A good plot twist at the end.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery/romance.
We meet a couple new secondary characters, Lucy (newspaper reporter) and Tommy O Rouke (small time thief).
I like to see how the romance between Brodie and Mikaela is progressing.
I took off a star for some historical inaccuracies and contemporary language I noticed.
A good plot twist at the end.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery/romance.
February 11, 2024
Fun book to read - obviously written in a hurry, or possibly not proof read.
March 30, 2024
This book revolves around proving that a friend Ms Templeton is being framed for murder. I did not find it as enjoyable as the first book. I gave it a three.
December 18, 2022
Mikaela Forsythe is an author, an adventurer, an independent lady and a private investigator alongside a rather inscrutable fellow Angus Brodie. Brodie a Scotsman and a former member of the Metropolitan Police Force helped Mikaela on a previous case to find her sister and now there is the case of a missing and likely dead ambassador with evidence found in the bed of Miss Theodora Templeton one of Mikaela’s friends. Mikaela is determined to help Templeton absolutely positive that she didn’t commit murder, Brodie is less convinced but is roped into the investigation due to curiosity. As the investigation ramps up more and more strange information comes to light and every time they think they’ve found something to help a new twist comes into play. As there are more murders the case seems to become both more confounding and yet quite clear at the same time. The ambassador knew something dangerous and anyone who has a connection to that knowledge is a target. The stakes are high, the danger is mounting and time is running out. Mikaela and Brodie are doing their best but will the catch the perpetrator before time runs out?
Quite clever, respectful but not bound to the proprieties of the time and with a duo of detectives that delight and intrigue from start to finish. A fascinating case with many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes puzzle. I was hooked from the start and I absolutely cannot wait to read more cases about these two sleuths!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Quite clever, respectful but not bound to the proprieties of the time and with a duo of detectives that delight and intrigue from start to finish. A fascinating case with many twists and turns to keep you guessing. Reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes puzzle. I was hooked from the start and I absolutely cannot wait to read more cases about these two sleuths!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2024
This was okay, but I didn't enjoy it as much as expected. For some reason I'm not connecting with the characters, and the flaws I noticed in the the first book seemed more apparent here.
Mediocre audiobook narration was a contributing factor, but mostly I had issues with the writing style, which includes one of my biggest pet peeves as a reader: needless repetition. Providing a brief synopsis of what happened in an earlier book is appreciated, but telling a reader something you already mentioned just a few pages before is annoying. For example, explaining that "the cottage" is a misnomer and it's really a large estate, or alluding to Mikaela's ouzo-influenced misadventure in Crete - you only have to tell us stuff like that once per book, I promise. And nearly every time Brodie calls Mikaela by her first name, she immediately narrates that he "almost never" does that.
I was looking for a historical mystery series to fill the void until a new Veronica Speedwell or Below Stairs book comes out, but I don't think this is it.
Mediocre audiobook narration was a contributing factor, but mostly I had issues with the writing style, which includes one of my biggest pet peeves as a reader: needless repetition. Providing a brief synopsis of what happened in an earlier book is appreciated, but telling a reader something you already mentioned just a few pages before is annoying. For example, explaining that "the cottage" is a misnomer and it's really a large estate, or alluding to Mikaela's ouzo-influenced misadventure in Crete - you only have to tell us stuff like that once per book, I promise. And nearly every time Brodie calls Mikaela by her first name, she immediately narrates that he "almost never" does that.
I was looking for a historical mystery series to fill the void until a new Veronica Speedwell or Below Stairs book comes out, but I don't think this is it.
December 11, 2022
Once again, Ms Carla weaves a fantastic mystery tale with Angus and Mikaela. It is woven so tight, I couldn’t figure out the villain until the very last minute! I loved how the Angus and Mikaela worked together so well and to see their relationship grow and change. I love Mikaela’s Aunt as well! A great Read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 24, 2023Did Not Finish
While I had issue with some logic problems in the first book, this one was worse to the point I considered it nor worth finishing. When things go wrong because the papers report the death in one chapter only for them to make a plan that only works because the paper has NOT reported the death some pages later I threw up my hands and gave up on the book.
While I had issue with some logic problems in the first book, this one was worse to the point I considered it nor worth finishing. When things go wrong because the papers report the death in one chapter only for them to make a plan that only works because the paper has NOT reported the death some pages later I threw up my hands and gave up on the book.
November 23, 2022
🦶Deadly Secrets 🤫
Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery Book 2
✒️ Carla Simpson
https://m.facebook.com/Carla-Simpson-...
Release Date 12/20/2022
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH8C6FTH?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A severed foot. Fingerprints left on a wine glass. A secret cypher code. The scent of orange and cinnamon left behind by the murderer.
Mikaela Forsythe, adventuress, author, and now private investigator, is back, pulled into a deadly case that may just see her friend, actress Theodora Templeton, sent to prison for murder when that severed foot is found in her bed and a high-ranking official has gone missing.
But is it a crime of passion or something far more sinister?
There is only one person who can assist--former police inspector Angus Brodie, the irascible Scot who challenges her at every turn. But Brodie is reluctant to take the case of a woman who communicates with the dead and keeps a four foot iguana as a pet. Until there is another murder, and then another.
As the body count rises Mikaela and Brodie are forced to undertake a dangerous scheme to expose the murderer. But secrets lie in wait, and desperate people will take desperate measures to protect those secrets.
All the while Mikaela's great aunt has decided to go on safari, the Mudger and Rupert are caught up in the case, and a brilliant young man--Bloody hell! Another Scot!-- has joined the team.
Then there is that undeniable attraction to deal with that lies simmering just beneath the surface for two people who could not be more different...
What is an independent lady to do?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to unravel this tight knotted affair before it is too late …
After the first book, I made sure I had all the next stories scheduled marked on my to-read-calendar, so I was more than happy to learn two more are already planned for next year.
Like in the last story, despite its two names, this series is told from Mikaela’s point of view in the first person.
I thought the mystery was more complex than the first adventure the heroes faced together.
Why I felt like it was slower paced than the previous book, as they are looking after clues and motives with very few of them to guide their journey except for their instincts.
Maybe also, the fact the protagonists were for most of them now all known to us readers, with only a few addition to the team, it did give a different rhythm to the storyline. Yet the new crew mates are all different and each offers an insight of the hardships or destinies many faced during this era.
Like in the first book, I loved Mikaela’s spunky persona, she fights tooth and nail when cornered and gives as much she receives. She is also fun as she shares her thoughts freely and some of her souvenirs are quite entertaining.
Brodie is of course still a bit of an an enigma himself, a self made man with a harsh upbringing and many shadows in his past, still a fellow who lives by his own code of honor, one closes to the law but adaptable too if necessary.
It is quite amusing to see Mikaela in some way tiptoeing or not around Brodie, analyzing his answers, grunts or curses to adapt her actions.
Yet this affair and the risks they face highlight their burgeoning feelings, as she revises her beliefs she did not need a man in her life, she might not need one but she wants one specifically, the one who listens to her ideas and even if he often disagrees, stands by her and trusts her.
Now I want their next adventure, may is quite far away.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and behind closed door lovemaking.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClUTcM...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #carlasimpson #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery Book 2
✒️ Carla Simpson
https://m.facebook.com/Carla-Simpson-...
Release Date 12/20/2022
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH8C6FTH?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A severed foot. Fingerprints left on a wine glass. A secret cypher code. The scent of orange and cinnamon left behind by the murderer.
Mikaela Forsythe, adventuress, author, and now private investigator, is back, pulled into a deadly case that may just see her friend, actress Theodora Templeton, sent to prison for murder when that severed foot is found in her bed and a high-ranking official has gone missing.
But is it a crime of passion or something far more sinister?
There is only one person who can assist--former police inspector Angus Brodie, the irascible Scot who challenges her at every turn. But Brodie is reluctant to take the case of a woman who communicates with the dead and keeps a four foot iguana as a pet. Until there is another murder, and then another.
As the body count rises Mikaela and Brodie are forced to undertake a dangerous scheme to expose the murderer. But secrets lie in wait, and desperate people will take desperate measures to protect those secrets.
All the while Mikaela's great aunt has decided to go on safari, the Mudger and Rupert are caught up in the case, and a brilliant young man--Bloody hell! Another Scot!-- has joined the team.
Then there is that undeniable attraction to deal with that lies simmering just beneath the surface for two people who could not be more different...
What is an independent lady to do?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to unravel this tight knotted affair before it is too late …
After the first book, I made sure I had all the next stories scheduled marked on my to-read-calendar, so I was more than happy to learn two more are already planned for next year.
Like in the last story, despite its two names, this series is told from Mikaela’s point of view in the first person.
I thought the mystery was more complex than the first adventure the heroes faced together.
Why I felt like it was slower paced than the previous book, as they are looking after clues and motives with very few of them to guide their journey except for their instincts.
Maybe also, the fact the protagonists were for most of them now all known to us readers, with only a few addition to the team, it did give a different rhythm to the storyline. Yet the new crew mates are all different and each offers an insight of the hardships or destinies many faced during this era.
Like in the first book, I loved Mikaela’s spunky persona, she fights tooth and nail when cornered and gives as much she receives. She is also fun as she shares her thoughts freely and some of her souvenirs are quite entertaining.
Brodie is of course still a bit of an an enigma himself, a self made man with a harsh upbringing and many shadows in his past, still a fellow who lives by his own code of honor, one closes to the law but adaptable too if necessary.
It is quite amusing to see Mikaela in some way tiptoeing or not around Brodie, analyzing his answers, grunts or curses to adapt her actions.
Yet this affair and the risks they face highlight their burgeoning feelings, as she revises her beliefs she did not need a man in her life, she might not need one but she wants one specifically, the one who listens to her ideas and even if he often disagrees, stands by her and trusts her.
Now I want their next adventure, may is quite far away.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and behind closed door lovemaking.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClUTcM...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #carlasimpson #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
December 24, 2022
This is the second book in this series and just as good if not better than the first. You could read this as a stand along but so much better read in order. There is a lot of history between the couples and it carries over to this book. I love the interactions between Angas and Brodie their witty banter is super good.
We have murders, suspense, intrigue along with a severed foot in the bed of the actress Theodora.
As our team along with help from Mudger with Rupert, Commer and Tommy new to this book nothing is as it seems. Ziggy is also back causing Brodie more problems. We also meet Munro again and of course her Aunt and Sister. With so many twists and turns the plot thickens and many clues are left for us to figure out who did what to whom. Am usually fairly good at guessing the ending and this one took me by surprise. I love the ending and their new feeling . This is a clean story like the first, but if you can read between the line so much passion, love and understanding between too very special people even if he is a Scott !!!
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Do not miss this series, I hope many more books are planned..
We have murders, suspense, intrigue along with a severed foot in the bed of the actress Theodora.
As our team along with help from Mudger with Rupert, Commer and Tommy new to this book nothing is as it seems. Ziggy is also back causing Brodie more problems. We also meet Munro again and of course her Aunt and Sister. With so many twists and turns the plot thickens and many clues are left for us to figure out who did what to whom. Am usually fairly good at guessing the ending and this one took me by surprise. I love the ending and their new feeling . This is a clean story like the first, but if you can read between the line so much passion, love and understanding between too very special people even if he is a Scott !!!
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Do not miss this series, I hope many more books are planned..
December 21, 2022
A fun and exciting historical mystery. Brodie and Mikaela have good chemistry and work well--most of the time--together. A number of the secondary characters are quirky and add interest to the story.
I didn't read the first in the series but I could understand what was going on. My only complaint was some instances I thought it was a little out of sync with the time period, particularly Mikaela commenting a number of times about getting a phone for Brodie's business. Not that many people had phones during this time period, particularly in the poor areas of London where Brodie is located. I even wonder if it would be possible to get a phone installed there. Would there have been the lines necessary to get one. It took a long time, decades, for phones to become common in people's homes, definitely this was true in the poorer areas of London. But that is a minor point. Overall I enjoyed the book would read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
I didn't read the first in the series but I could understand what was going on. My only complaint was some instances I thought it was a little out of sync with the time period, particularly Mikaela commenting a number of times about getting a phone for Brodie's business. Not that many people had phones during this time period, particularly in the poor areas of London where Brodie is located. I even wonder if it would be possible to get a phone installed there. Would there have been the lines necessary to get one. It took a long time, decades, for phones to become common in people's homes, definitely this was true in the poorer areas of London. But that is a minor point. Overall I enjoyed the book would read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
January 5, 2026
This was a DNF for me, and one of two books I have ever returned on Audible.
I actually really liked the first book-- it was executed so much better than this book. There is absolutely NO way that an editor ever laid hands on this book. I feel like it was at least partially written by AI. Repetitive phrases, like "My aunt's very fine whiskey" and repeating the same stories over and OVER. Also, she introduces a character, and says something like, "he has a brother and a sister", and then 1 minute later, say the exact same thing, same phrasing and everything. (Just making up an example). Repeating facts that we already know, and sometimes things conflict with what was said before.
I actually researched the author and she seems to be a real person (not AI) who has written books for many years, although I couldn't really find any info about her. I don't know, something is fishy here. Did she provide an outline for the book and then let AI fill in the rest?
Also, there is a change in narrator on the Audiobook at Chapter 6. That or the narrator completely changed their vocal acting. I don't know but it seems like the narrator aged about 20 years.
The thing is, I love the premise, I like the characters and the mystery. But the execution in this book is SO BAD. I have a hard time believing all of the 4+ stars!
I actually really liked the first book-- it was executed so much better than this book. There is absolutely NO way that an editor ever laid hands on this book. I feel like it was at least partially written by AI. Repetitive phrases, like "My aunt's very fine whiskey" and repeating the same stories over and OVER. Also, she introduces a character, and says something like, "he has a brother and a sister", and then 1 minute later, say the exact same thing, same phrasing and everything. (Just making up an example). Repeating facts that we already know, and sometimes things conflict with what was said before.
I actually researched the author and she seems to be a real person (not AI) who has written books for many years, although I couldn't really find any info about her. I don't know, something is fishy here. Did she provide an outline for the book and then let AI fill in the rest?
Also, there is a change in narrator on the Audiobook at Chapter 6. That or the narrator completely changed their vocal acting. I don't know but it seems like the narrator aged about 20 years.
The thing is, I love the premise, I like the characters and the mystery. But the execution in this book is SO BAD. I have a hard time believing all of the 4+ stars!
December 13, 2022
I read the 1st book in this series and loved it but was rather disappointed in this one. The plot and setting are good and the characters are the same ones I enjoyed previously but somehow they didn't come together as they should. Brodie doesn't do much except put in a word here and there until late in the book and there's not much to be seen of his relationship with Mikaela. There also seems to be a lot of too-ing and fro-ing without much action in the middle. The beginning is rather promising and kept my attention but then bogged down. It all went rather slowly for quite a while. I eventually skimmed much of the middle and things picked up in the last 3rd of the book. It wasn't a bad read but not as involving as it promised to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2023
An Affair of State
Mikaela Forsythe and her sister are in Brighton hoping the sun and salt air would help them both recover from her sister's kidnapping. But their holiday is cut short by the arrival of Angus Brody, Mikaela's investigative partner, who has brought disturbing news from London.
The French Ambassador has been murdered and the evidence points to Mikaela's best friend Templeton. Brodie and Forsythe must combine their talents to save Templeton from the gallows.
Their search for the killer takes them to a secret spy ring in Whitehall as well as the stews, of London. The danger escalates while their attraction to each other continues to grow. Carla Simpson has delivered another exciting mystery that evokes the fascinating world of Victorian London with an engaging cast of characters.
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The French Ambassador has been murdered at the home of
Mikaela Forsythe and her sister are in Brighton hoping the sun and salt air would help them both recover from her sister's kidnapping. But their holiday is cut short by the arrival of Angus Brody, Mikaela's investigative partner, who has brought disturbing news from London.
The French Ambassador has been murdered and the evidence points to Mikaela's best friend Templeton. Brodie and Forsythe must combine their talents to save Templeton from the gallows.
Their search for the killer takes them to a secret spy ring in Whitehall as well as the stews, of London. The danger escalates while their attraction to each other continues to grow. Carla Simpson has delivered another exciting mystery that evokes the fascinating world of Victorian London with an engaging cast of characters.
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The French Ambassador has been murdered at the home of
October 2, 2023
The Duo Take up another’s personal case
Mikaela and Brodie find themselves smack in the middle of a case involving Templeton and Munro. How did a foot get separated from its owner? what was Templeton’s relationship with the man who owned the foot? Why did Munro come forward? Can Brodie and Mikaela save their friends from New Gate?
This time they are joined by some new Allie’s in order to get the job done. Lucy, another strong determined Times employee, Tommy, coming back to lend a hand, Connor and Alex, who may not be revealing everything about himself.
As a team, they uncover clue after clue, many times at their own peril as bodies begin to stack up. Can they get the case solved in time? Can the Bard help give answers from beyond?
Check out book 2 to see where this adventure takes the characters and if you can solve the mystery before the last pages.
Mikaela and Brodie find themselves smack in the middle of a case involving Templeton and Munro. How did a foot get separated from its owner? what was Templeton’s relationship with the man who owned the foot? Why did Munro come forward? Can Brodie and Mikaela save their friends from New Gate?
This time they are joined by some new Allie’s in order to get the job done. Lucy, another strong determined Times employee, Tommy, coming back to lend a hand, Connor and Alex, who may not be revealing everything about himself.
As a team, they uncover clue after clue, many times at their own peril as bodies begin to stack up. Can they get the case solved in time? Can the Bard help give answers from beyond?
Check out book 2 to see where this adventure takes the characters and if you can solve the mystery before the last pages.
February 15, 2023
I don't know what to say
I'm not a fan of women being portrayed as cavalier, reckless and self centered as a way to depict feminism.
The message is clear in these first two books...
the story is good
Characters are interesting but the underlying message playing in the background is irritating to me. I have worked all over the world in very harsh, dangerous environments and in situations of war. The type of women you want with you are strong, capable and intelligent... not focused on making a show about themselves and their abilities. I'm realizing as I write this review...It's offensive actually and harms women who have done so much for so many people and the society they represent.
I'm not a fan of women being portrayed as cavalier, reckless and self centered as a way to depict feminism.
The message is clear in these first two books...
the story is good
Characters are interesting but the underlying message playing in the background is irritating to me. I have worked all over the world in very harsh, dangerous environments and in situations of war. The type of women you want with you are strong, capable and intelligent... not focused on making a show about themselves and their abilities. I'm realizing as I write this review...It's offensive actually and harms women who have done so much for so many people and the society they represent.
April 3, 2023
Mikaela and Brodie dance around the strong feelings they are developing between another case of mayhem and murder!
Her friend Templeton is accused of murder when an ambassador foot is found in her bed.
She has lived a very colorful and amorous life but not like this!
This story gets more complicated when Munro confesses to the murder and seeks to take her place and they keep both in custody!
More murders and more suspects grow by leaps and bounds.
Mikaela has a scent of cinnamon and orange right before the next Murder!
However the suspects are much closer to home when the bait they use to finally trap the killer backfire!
Will Brodie arrive in time! Has Mikaela dallied with death too close for comfort this time! Absolutely could not put this one down! Bravo
Her friend Templeton is accused of murder when an ambassador foot is found in her bed.
She has lived a very colorful and amorous life but not like this!
This story gets more complicated when Munro confesses to the murder and seeks to take her place and they keep both in custody!
More murders and more suspects grow by leaps and bounds.
Mikaela has a scent of cinnamon and orange right before the next Murder!
However the suspects are much closer to home when the bait they use to finally trap the killer backfire!
Will Brodie arrive in time! Has Mikaela dallied with death too close for comfort this time! Absolutely could not put this one down! Bravo
January 1, 2024
This pairing is as good as any I’ve seen in the genre. Mysteries compelling and characters interesting. More emphasis on the plot than the romance and enough action to keep the story moving at a good pace. A little sick of the phrase, “but I digress” which is also making an unfortunate number of appearances in the third installment too. Some new characters coming along, which are great, as long as the stories don’t become too ensemble-driven. Hoping especially that the actress friend doesn’t become too much of a major fixture. The Victorian time period is marked by an obsession with the supernatural, so I appreciate the historical aspect of that, but I don’t want it to overshadow the logic and science of crime solving.
December 13, 2022
Angus and Mikaela are back again when their friend Templeton is accused of murder. Templeton is an actress, talks to ghosts and has a four foot long iguana. Mudger is in a wheelchair but is good at finding out info and acts as a sort of butler along with the dog Rupert for Angus. The entire cast is quirky and so fun to read about while Angus and Mikaela discover clues to the missing high profile politician Templeton is accused of murdering. It quickly becomes apparent more is going on as the twists and turns keep coming. It is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
DNF 20%. As soon as I read the protagonist calling someone a "male chauvinist" in the year 1890, I put it down. It sounded really off and indeed the first instance of chauvinism used in this context dates back to middle 20th century. If you writer are not able to accept the limits of the period you chose to set your story in, and adapt you writing style and vocabulary accordingly, well, that's a problem. Another thing, unrelated but equally annoying because it's repeated over and over: it's a herbivore, not an herbivore!! The story, the characters, not good enough to keep going, especially since it felt jarringly like reading a very bad copy of Deanna Rayburn
December 19, 2022
I hadn't read the first book so might have missed some of the interpersonal relationship development. I did enjoy this book there was action mystery and intrigue which is right up my street. However I had to drop it from 5 stars to 4 as I did feel it dragged a bit in the middle with things slowing down a lot and not much going on. The beginning and ending however were fast passed and intriguing and I was glad I persevered.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2023
I like the cast of characters and I was very happy with the ending. Only reason I'm not rating higher is the repetition. I'm thinking the author likes the tag phrase "my aunt's very fine whiskey" but does it have to be written every time they drink it? I think there should have been more of a difference between book one and two. It seemed like at some points passages were lifted from one to the other with only name or place changes. I do want to know what happens so I will definitely read the next.
March 6, 2024
The “gotcha” was a bit lame
It was all too easy in the end to overcome the bad guy. Doesn’t seem to me that considering how many people were killed brutally by the bad guy’s henchmen, the showdown would be quite so easy. The reveal wasn’t particularly well explained. Why did the bad guy do it? Why were they trying to overthrow the government? I like the pacing. And the relationships. There are more books in this series than I realized. I hope they don’t jump the shark too soon.
It was all too easy in the end to overcome the bad guy. Doesn’t seem to me that considering how many people were killed brutally by the bad guy’s henchmen, the showdown would be quite so easy. The reveal wasn’t particularly well explained. Why did the bad guy do it? Why were they trying to overthrow the government? I like the pacing. And the relationships. There are more books in this series than I realized. I hope they don’t jump the shark too soon.
May 28, 2024
3.75
I enjoyed the second book of the series - which is about a plucky heroine novelist who has undertaken travel adventures and a grumpy Scottish PI alongside many (mostly) endearing side characters.
This book definitely had more errors than the last, it needs some editing attention. Also for any romance fans - there is only a small bit and it is sadly very closed door.
I plan to eventually continue once I have reading time, as it is a huge bummer the audiobooks are not available through any lending service.
I enjoyed the second book of the series - which is about a plucky heroine novelist who has undertaken travel adventures and a grumpy Scottish PI alongside many (mostly) endearing side characters.
This book definitely had more errors than the last, it needs some editing attention. Also for any romance fans - there is only a small bit and it is sadly very closed door.
I plan to eventually continue once I have reading time, as it is a huge bummer the audiobooks are not available through any lending service.
July 8, 2025
I started reading this and cannot finish!
The first book was historically all over the place but thought I’d try the second book.
It got worse.
Bearing in mind I haven’t finished the book so far - metal detectors were not invented when this is supposed to be set. Also as far as I’m aware Londoners did not regularly tuck into scones covered in sausage gravy…
It’s a shame, as the plot was bobbing along nicely but I really can’t take anymore more lunacy, is a computer or mobile telephone going to pop up next?
The first book was historically all over the place but thought I’d try the second book.
It got worse.
Bearing in mind I haven’t finished the book so far - metal detectors were not invented when this is supposed to be set. Also as far as I’m aware Londoners did not regularly tuck into scones covered in sausage gravy…
It’s a shame, as the plot was bobbing along nicely but I really can’t take anymore more lunacy, is a computer or mobile telephone going to pop up next?
August 27, 2025
funny and fast paced, amusing
I am an American who married a wonderful a
Englishman and has lived in England for the last 44 years — and , while I enjoyed these books so far, they are clearly NOT written by a Brit!
Gravy on Scones — horrors! Only in America
Would anyone adulterate scones the way they
Appear in these books! And other Americanisms and anachronisms appear in these books which give away the fact this
Author is American! Still, they are fun. Suggest a truly British editor would be useful
If you want them to be a real hit in the UK.
I am an American who married a wonderful a
Englishman and has lived in England for the last 44 years — and , while I enjoyed these books so far, they are clearly NOT written by a Brit!
Gravy on Scones — horrors! Only in America
Would anyone adulterate scones the way they
Appear in these books! And other Americanisms and anachronisms appear in these books which give away the fact this
Author is American! Still, they are fun. Suggest a truly British editor would be useful
If you want them to be a real hit in the UK.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews