I liked this one. It's a solid 3 stars. I don't always read cozy mysteries but I like the change of pace every once in a while.
Alice Carroll is 50 andI liked this one. It's a solid 3 stars. I don't always read cozy mysteries but I like the change of pace every once in a while.
Alice Carroll is 50 and has been recently dumped by her long time partner and has also lost her job in the city. She wants a change and decides to move to the Cotswolds to a small village called, "Little Pride." She purchases a house that used to be a shop called, "Nell Little's Cotswold Curiosity Shop." After purchasing she finds out by the local council that the shop must be reopened as its former business. This is more than Alice has bargained for. There are still plenty of things on the lower level. Along with her friend Danny, Alice begins to clean up the shop to open it and meets many of the area locals. There's also a developer in town who wants to build-up the area. One day a dead body is discovered in Alice's neighbours compost. Alice sets off to find the murderer.
This is book 1 of a new series and I think it's promising. The first half introduced Alice and dragged a little for me. In the second half once the body was found things ramped up. I'd be interested to take another trip into, "Little Pride" again.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
This was the perfect book at the perfect time for me. That title and cute cover was calling me ☺️ This has a light mystery to it and the romance was sThis was the perfect book at the perfect time for me. That title and cute cover was calling me ☺️ This has a light mystery to it and the romance was surprisingly pretty spicy ...more
As Julia Kelly is one of my favourite authors and I enjoyed the first book in this series I was thrilled toThis was a First-Reads Giveaway win for me!
As Julia Kelly is one of my favourite authors and I enjoyed the first book in this series I was thrilled to win this one!
This is Book 2 of the "Parisian Orphan" series that has been renamed the, "Evelyne Redfern" series.
As book 2 begins Evelyne has just returned from training in the North of England. She has been training with the illustrious, "Special Operations Executive." This is Britain's spy training in 1940 WW II era. She is sent on her first mission to an aristocratic manor house called, "Blackthorne Park." Evie is a little disappointed. As the mission appears to be only a security check. David Poole is back and is assigned to be her handler. The manor house has been requisitioned as a weapons research and development site for the war. Things soon ramp up there as the Prime Minister himself, Winston Churchill is due to visit. Again there is a murder and Evie with David's help sets out to solve the mystery.
I love Julia Kelly's writing. It always has a nice flow to it that keeps me reading. This is a slow building mystery with lots of historical aspects. Julia Kelly has done some fabulous research! I'm enjoying Evie and David's slow building relationship. The romance is not being rushed but it's underlying. Evie is a delight. I can't wait to read Book 3....more
I was so excited to win Julia Kelly's latest novel on a first-reads giveaway. She's one of my favourite Historical Fiction writers. I love her easy stI was so excited to win Julia Kelly's latest novel on a first-reads giveaway. She's one of my favourite Historical Fiction writers. I love her easy style storytelling. This book is the start of a new Historical Fiction mystery series titled, "Parisian Orphan."
The story begins in 1940 during the Blitz in London. Ever since she was a little girl Evelyne Redfern has been called, "The Parisian Orphan" after her French mother dies and her British father abandons her and sends her off to be raised by an Aunt. Evelyne is now doing her bit and working in a munitions factory when she comes upon her father's old friend who recruits her as a secretary for Winston Churchill's, Cabinet War Rooms (known as CWR.) She begins work underground but in her first days of work she stumbles upon her co-worker's dead body and becomes involved in the investigation. As a mystery book lover and a keen mind she is teamed together with the mysterious David Poole. Together they are out to solve the crime.
I enjoyed the story very much and it's a great start to Ms. Kelly's first series. The story has a cozy mystery feel to it. I really enjoyed Evelyne and David's interactions. Can't wait to see how that relationship will progress in the second book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story....more
My first cozy mystery! I listened to the audio and the narrator was excellent! I love stories that take place in the south. The town is just charmi3.5
My first cozy mystery! I listened to the audio and the narrator was excellent! I love stories that take place in the south. The town is just charming. The Southern euphemisms and fun cast of characters were a nice escape. I could easily see this as a Hallmark movie.
The beginning captured my attention but the mystery was a bit on the weak side for my tastes. This could be due to the fact that this is an unknown genre for me. That said I still enjoyed the book and I definitely think Cozy Mysteries have a certain time and place for me. I liked the main character and feel she has potential and I'd read the next book for sure. Now, I'm seriously craving me some, "Peach cobbler!"
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and Hallmark Publishing for granting me access to this Advanced Audio Recording.