Knight In The Museum is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight mystery series, and can be read as a standalone. Knight is a private investigator, and is asked to take a look when a friend of a friend’s suspicious death is deemed accidental. The further she gets into the case, the more Knight discovers that is hard to dismiss as coincidental. And yet the police seem all too happy to do just that, which increases her suspicions.
This is a thrilling mystery read. There’s so much to unravel, with early hints at the involvement of a curse amongst other things. To figure out why Howard died, Knight also has to unravel the final case he was working on, about which he had been very secretive. So plenty going on, making it a hard book to put down!
For me, this book gets five stars. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good mystery series, particularly if you’re after some Canadian content!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2022-12-15 20:06:032022-12-19 10:01:21Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
The author keeps you guessing in this book. When a killing happens at the beginning of the book, you think the story is about that. However, further into the book it becomes about another killing that comes around and is part of the first killing that happened two years prior. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who did it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Troyerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Troyer2022-12-15 19:43:482022-12-19 09:57:55Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Michelle Troyer
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Driskillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Driskill2022-12-15 13:00:072022-12-19 09:55:07Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alicia Bienia- Review by Stephanie Driskill
Jorja Knight is a bada$$ of a character. She is strong, independent, and takes no crap! I love this character! She is asked by a daughter of a former police officer to investigate his mysterious death and boy does she open up a can of worms! Who knew that three deaths were all tied to an ancient and possibly cursed statue? Jorja does not appreciate the way the cops have investigated the deaths, so she finds herself knee deep in her own deadly and dangerous investigation. From a rich eccentric’s museum to a black tie affair at an art gallery, the people involved will shock and amaze you as well as the police corruption that seems to be running rampant. Such a fantastic read and while this is my first Jorja Knight book you better believe that I am going to read each one in the series. What a strong female character that follows her morals and stays with her intuition to solve the deaths until the very end, including when her life is in danger! Fantastic book!!!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Driskillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Driskill2022-12-15 12:54:062022-12-19 09:54:57Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alicia Bienia- Review by Stephanie Driskill
New York Police Department’s Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan is under siege by the flu, and Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, are up to their armpits with work overload. The captain’s cigar is seriously chewed, and everyone is working around the clock. To complicate matters, on a personal level, things aren’t going smoothly, either. Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is also having issues with a psycho twin sister who is doing everything to ruin Laura’s business and her life.
Then Nick’s captain assigns a new case, a suicide. From the moment Nick steps on scene, however, something doesn’t feel quite right, especially when, upon investigating the case further, the supposed suicide looks more and more like an actual homicide. Immediately, Nick’s instincts kick into gear, but rev into overdrive when similar, questionable suicides pop up around the area. And with the way things have been going lately, it would just be Nick’s luck to have a serial killer on the loose.
Set in New York City, Hanging Softly in the Night is a story of murder, mental illness, dedication, perseverance, and, ultimately, justice.
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an award-winning author with a unique point of view: to give her readers and fans thrills and kills, with a twist. Her characters are placed in danger in ingenuous ways while, at the same time, her novels are set in locales across Europe and the United States, reflecting her international upbringing and extensive time as a Cuban exile and global traveler.
The author’s writing career began circa age thirteen with a very juvenile science fiction short story; but the writing bug hit, and she has been writing, in one capacity or another, ever since. She has worked as a professional dancer, singer, journalist, and literature teacher in both the university and middle school levels (and not necessarily in that order) and holds a Masters in English literature. All her novels have received different accolades, including gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as honorary mentions from respected book award institutions.
Ms. Alonso-Sierra is currently writing full-time and loves to hear from her fans and readers. When not writing, she roams around to discover new places to set her novels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hanging-SoftlyInTheNight300-2-1.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-12-15 00:01:572022-12-30 23:15:41Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
This what book 5 in this series. I would have never known that this was book 5- as it was a good stand alone.
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started this book. This is the first time I’ve ever read anything my Alice Bienia – I would absolutely read another one.
The main character- Jorja follows the final moments in a former law enforcement offices life when the current officers label his death an accident. Something about his death from the beginning is super suspicious!!
As she digs deeper into this death she realizes drawn in deep to Albertas notorious killer.
Fast pace. Page turner.
Absolutely would grab another one of her books to read soon!!!
Knight In The Museum, Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series, Alice Bienia, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Crime
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Victoria Hallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVictoria Hall2022-12-14 18:11:212022-12-19 09:45:05Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Victoria Hall
This historical fiction book focuses on a murder mystery. The language throughout is a perfect example of what you would imagine 1904 to sound like, replete with surprises. The author did a masterful job of researching the time period to make it accurate and plausible. Go on a journey that will leave you second guessing until the end. Very enjoyable!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie stapletonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie stapleton2022-12-14 02:23:062022-12-19 09:40:04Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by katie stapleton
I really appreciate when an author is not only skillful at weaving words into worlds and characters, but also knowledgeable in what they are writing about. This author writes intelligently and vividly to bring to life an awesome, kick-ass heroine – Jorja Knight, Private Investigator. You will fall in love with this multi-faceted character as she risks relationships and her life in order to prove that there is more to a certain mystery than meets the eye. This is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. I have not read the previous books, but after picking up this one, I can’t wait to get my hands on them! The suspense will keep you hooked. This is definitely a mystery you do not want to overlook. I highly recommend this book and author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2022-12-13 12:05:262022-12-19 09:31:40Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Chrissy Spulak
What is there not to love about a story that brings three strangers into the same situation on the same night and the story was inspired by Reba McEntire!! I enjoyed this suspenseful story that was full of twists and turns! This was a new author for me, and I was impressed! The author had a unique writing skill that really brought this story with great detail to life. It was well written, easy to follow and sometimes that’s hard to do, especially when you are writing about three different characters. One fateful night, three worlds collide, and no one could see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were well developed and kept the story engaging, entertaining, and easy to read. This was a fast paced story full of twists and turns that had me turning pages like no tomorrow! I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2022-12-13 03:58:392022-12-19 09:27:19Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Mary Espinoza
I’m always looking for mysteries and “who done it’s” that are engaging and don’t get bogged down and boring in the middle, the historical aspect was definitely a plus, and Murder on Oak Street absolutely fit the bill. This book has lots of drama, suspense, and misconceptions that pull you in and doesn’t let go until the end albeit reluctantly as I found myself wishing for more. Murder on Oak Street is ultimately an investigation within an investigation as a previous reviewer stated, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you like historical, crime, mysteries you should definitely give this a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2022-12-12 23:21:042022-12-19 09:26:24Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I. M. Foster – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
Murder on Oak Street by I.M. Foster is an intense ride of a murder mystery. It follows Dr. Daniel O’Halleran as he tries to untangle the webs of intrigue surrounding the deaths of two wealthy and influential men which may, or may not, be connected. The long list of suspects are full of secerts, lies, and scandal. It’s cleverly written, well-paced, and full of colorful characters. Foster had created a wonderful story with enough twists to rival Knives Out. Happy sleuthing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2022-12-12 22:54:262022-12-19 09:26:11Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Whisper Hymer
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Very different from other cozy mysteries I have read. I loved that it was from the point of view of the Corners’ and Detectives’. I want to read the next book in the series and found out what comes of the romances that happened. I wasn’t expecting who the killer was. Most of characters were likable.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Pritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Pritt2022-12-12 19:41:432022-12-18 12:57:16Murder on Oak Street by I. M. Foster reviewed by Jessica Pritt
Meet the Author: I.M. Foster is the pen name Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews. Inez is a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. Most of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history.
Reader’s Thoughts: Murder on Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series. It is a historical mystery full of suspense, drama, and murder. This was my first time reading a book by I.M. Foster. At first, with the slow start and the old dialect, I just couldn’t get roped in. I had to keep putting the book down. However, I really wanted to know what was going to happen so I had to keep coming back. Once I got past this I couldn’t put the book down. I found myself consistently trying to crack the murder. The characters within Murder on Oak Street are realistic and believable. The vivid storytelling and world building allows you to feel right alongside the characters on this who-dun-it journey. Despite the slow start and the dialect I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a friend. I would definitely take the time to read another book by Foster in the near future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2022-12-12 18:42:452022-12-18 18:35:28Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Ashley Mertz
As a fan of murder mysteries, I had to give this book a read when I saw it at the local library. I am so glad that I did. Wow was this a whodunit book. There were so many plot twists and turns that I was constantly changing my guess as to who the murderer was. I was wrong in the end. This book reminded me of a lot of Agatha Christie books. She is one of my favorite authors, so I loved how the author weaved the details into the story. I would highly suggest reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karen Pearmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren Pearman2022-12-12 14:39:162022-12-18 12:48:31Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Karen Pearman
A little slow to start, but once you get into the meat and potatoes of this classic “whodunit” you will find out nothing has an obvious answer at first. The historical setting may be what slowed me down, as I am not a huge fan of older style writings but I was able to stay interested, throughout. I liked the believable characters and although I am unsure of the historical accuracy, it was easy to follow. The story follows Daniel O’Halleran, a coroner in 1904 New York. Daniel is struggling in both career and the romance department, and decides he needs a change. Taking on a new position in Long Island, he is happy with the change of pace and slower lifestyle it brings. That is, until he is provided an old case to review. The dialogue and plot flows smoothly, if you are into historical fiction, and it was a nice change of pace from what I usually read. I will check out other books by this author, and would recommend it to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Swindlehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Swindle2022-12-12 13:34:242022-12-18 12:55:48Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Amanda Swindle
This was on mystery that I was so absorbed in I forgot to eat, sleep or do anything but finish the story. Needless to say this storyline was gripping. The characters are well developed and the plot was really interesting with many twists and turns. I absolutely loved the author’s writing style and look forward to many more by this author! A perfect example of a riveting story with a mysterious bent!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-12-12 13:12:222022-12-18 12:55:19Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and how everything intertwines. I suspected the culprit, but did not have the whole thing figured out, so it was a great surprise to connect everything together. The author does a great job in developing each character and keeping them true to their nature, which was great. The antagonists are also well developed and realistic. I could picture each character, along with the various locations clearly and it was enjoyable to follow them along on the journey. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done! Now I want more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Lewis2022-12-12 12:28:212023-08-05 12:33:31Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Jana Lewis
Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the next one. Its the story of Daniel O’Halleran who is a coroner’s physician. He feels like no one takes him seriously and they are always pushing him to hurry up and push cases through. On top of not being super happy with his job his fiancee stood him up at the altar so he makes the hard decision to pack up and move on. He moves to Long Island from New York and accepts a coroner’s assistant position. The boss tells him not to expect anything like the amount of cases in New York here. His first case just happens to be one of is very first cases in New York that he had to hurry up and pass on and where his feeling that something was not right. Will Daniel be able to solve this old case and prove to himself especially that he was right all along. I loved this book and if you love mysteries you will too!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-12-12 11:10:362022-12-18 12:44:06Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tausha Treadway
This book has it all! Romance, mystery, and suspense are all present, along with a glimpse of betrayal. Although fifth in a book series, the author presents a wonderful stand-alone story. This story is set in Canada, and features a privately- owned museum. I highly recommend this tale to anyone who is a fan of mystery or suspense books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-12-11 22:05:592022-12-12 10:24:04Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Alison Risher
I’m really glad I picked up this book. The author is new to me and I’ve always liked finding a good series. In the first book of the series, there are 3 different stories of people from different walks of life that find themselves at the Mansfield night club on the same night. What will this fateful night bring?
I really liked learning about the main characters in each story.
Francie grew up poor and finds herself at a gentleman’s club but instead of having to physically entertain men, she ends up singing as the music entertainer. After a couple of life changing events, Francie ends up at the Mansfield as the main singer.
Rose is in her late teens when she’s caught up in a whirlwind romance by a young man who stops in at the diner she is working at. Rose believes she is in love and gets talked into marriage and leaves her small town with hopes and dreams. Her husband gets her an audition at the Mansfield as the opening act. Soon Rose finds herself unhappy in her marriage.
Lastly we meet Beau, a young up an coming lawyer in Atlanta who finds out his boyhood best friend Poke has been accused of murdering a man. Beau does his best to get his friend out of his predicament but old ties in the town (County Judge and Sheriff) don’t follow Justice and his friend loses his life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2022-12-11 21:39:322022-12-12 10:24:20Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Betsy Melano
It took me a while to get into this book, as I felt it started off a little slowly. But, once the pace and story picked up, I really enjoyed Murder on Oak Street! I. M. Foster was a first time author for me, but she created such a realistic setting with her vivid storytelling and great world building. The characters were well-developed, realistic, and there were a variety of different characters, each with his or her own story. Murder on Oak Street has it all! Murder, drama, mystery, and lots of twists and turns! I found myself attempting to solve the murder right along with everyone! Overall, this is a great read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and crime! I look forward to reading more by I. M. Foster.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2022-12-11 21:38:342022-12-12 10:23:03Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Mandy Ott
I love a good story that can totally engross you with every turn of the page. This is my first book by this author and definitely will not be my last. Even though this is book # 5 in the series, I picked up and definitely did not miss anything from any other of the books in her series. I will be circling back most definitely to start the Jorja Knight Mystery from the beginning for sure.
Jorja Knight is a private investigator whom is looking into the death of a former police officer by the request of his daughter. Although seeming to be “accidental”, the more the story unfolds, there is definitely more to this death than meets they eye. Something that does not sit well….. as the story is more untangled, the more suspicion comes and leads to more death, mystery and twists come. Will Jorja be able to solve this mystery….
This story is fantastic and I cannot wait to dive in to more Jorja Knight mysteries. The plot is truly gripping and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-12-11 19:47:172022-12-12 10:22:28Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This was a really good book! It was very well written, and was mysterious enough to keep me enthralled throughout the whole thing. I really enjoyed the scene the author set up, and to me the beginning was a little reminiscent of Where The Crawdads Sing. The imagery throughout the book was really good. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs in this book and the twist at the end was exceptional. I’m excited to see where this series goes from here!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-12-11 19:23:322022-12-12 10:21:55Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Rachel Moss
If you love film noir or the 1940’s this is a book for you! Three Characters’ stories and how they came to be at the Mansfield. How their lives become entwined, and how the lure of the lights and fame can blind you to the evil of men. This book has some graphic scenes, but they are so tastefully done that you can’t imagine the story without them, and they are a window into a time and lifestyle so foreign to many of us in 2022. There is rape, betrayal, prostitution, murder, domestic violence, bigotry, abuse of the law, and adultery to name the things off the top of my head. Now, these things happen in society today, but the way in which they happen in the book is quite different from what we would see. I can’t say enough about how well written this book and the characters are. The world is immersive and I felt like I could see and hear the scenes. Just an absolute Gem!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jess Dimmockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJess Dimmock2022-12-11 19:12:562022-12-12 10:16:15Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jess Dimmock
This was a great historical mystery. The writing was fantastic. I was instantly transported right into this book. I was trying to solve the mystery as if I was an investigator in the story. I couldn’t put this down. I literally read it in one sitting. If you are into historical fiction and mysteries, Murder on Oak St is it. The characters and story is very well written. I.M Foster has a new fan.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin DeRomahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin DeRoma2022-12-11 17:35:002022-12-12 10:15:44Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Erin DeRoma
I love a good book blurb, and this one has a good one, it certainly piqued my interest. For a book that has three stories in one, it was an easy read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The first story made me think of the song Fancy by Reba McEntire, and then I read more about the author and the series was based on a different Reba McEntire song, Because of You. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there’s a plot twist or turn. I love it when that happens. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, but the second book in the series is available so I can’t be to upset.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie McComashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie McComas2022-12-11 15:01:322022-12-12 10:14:40Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Julie McComas
Daniel is frustrated with his job working as a coroner’s physician in 1904 New York. After two years at his job the authorities have no interest in listening to his findings and he sees no future working there. Then his fiancée decides on their wedding day to call off their wedding, so Daniel takes it as a sign that he needs a fresh start. He accepts a job offer in Patchogue as assistant to their local coroner.
Daniel is barely in Patchogue a month when Kathleen, an attractive librarian, asks him to look into a murder that took place in New York two years ago. Daniel agrees to help her because it just happened to be a case that he worked on, and he was never happy with the verdict in the case. When a murder occurs in the peaceful little village Daniel cannot help but feel that the two cases are somehow linked.
I absolutely adored this historical mystery. It was impossible to put down and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The writing was superb, and the author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. I anxiously await book two!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-12-11 15:00:232022-12-12 10:14:21Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is the 1st book in the Express Investigations series. The author has done an amazing job with this historical story. I love how it tells the story of 3 people and their lives and what leads them to all be at the same place at the same time when something changes their lives forever.
Each of our characters are strong and they all have a very unique story to tell. Beau Hartwell is an lawyer who is starting to make his way in the world but when fate steps in and he loses everything he finds himself at the Mansfield Hotel.
Francie Roubideaux has had a hard life from the start. Living with her mother they were barely surviving. Until she is sent to Miss Claires. But things arent what they seem and when Francie realising it is a house of pleasure she had 2 choices. Stay and pleasure the clients or leave and be in danger. When she starts singing she is spared somewhat from the client side of thing. When she finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel to further her singing that’s when her life really changes.
Rose Donovan falls in love with a man and against advice she leaves with him. However this is all not real and when he sells her to the Mansfield Hotel as a singer.
3 different people, from 3 different backgrounds and life’s are brought together in an event that will change all of their lives.
It is an amazing read you will not be able to put it down and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-12-11 13:16:432022-12-12 10:13:23Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Carr
All roads lead to California or in this case to the Mansfield Supper Club. Road to the Mansfield follows 3 different characters who have been broken. 3 different characters who you could say have been put through the ringer. The author expertly writes their overlapping stories reflecting the trials and tribulations they go through. The common thread, they all end up in California. They also end up at the Mansfield Supper Club. 2 of which are employees/entertainment and the other a spectator. Francie(Ruby) finds herself in California to put herself back together. Ending up training and working at a gentlemen’s club when she was 17 she went through a difficult and trying year. Betrayal by her best friend and the stealing of her virtue. She married the man who got her out, only to lose him to death 6 years later. Now it’s time to start over and she’s hoping her voice can lead her in the right direction. Rose is young and naive. Blinded by the words and actions of Rico Valentino. He convinces her to leave her family and friends, to marry him and move to California. Unfortunately it only takes a few months before his controlling and abusive ways present themselves. Tricked into an audition at Mansfield, she realizes despite her nerves it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost. Will she ever open her eyes and leave him? Beau was broken by the death of his best friend. The death led to a domino effect of him losing everything. Best part he’s okay with that, because he feels like himself again. He also heads to California, and ends up a spectator at Mansfield. After listening to Rose and Ruby sing, he realizes he wants to help Rose any way he can. He is also mesmerized by Ruby. Will he act on instinct? How do these 3 characters tie together? I feel like it’s the California move healing themselves. What do you think? It’s one story with 3 overlapping substories, each focusing on a different character. It’s good but I have to warn you there are some dark themes that could be a little too much for some, but you should check it out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-12-10 22:56:432022-12-12 10:08:16Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Beverly Finnie
I love that all 3 stories connect at the end. This book is such an easy read that also kept my attention from start to finish.
The first story starts with Francie. Kind of reminds me of the song “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. She is living very poor, her mom is not in the best health and they have her baby brother to take care of. Francie comes back one day after selling some frog legs and her mom dresses her up all fancy and sends her off with one of her clients she sews for.
Francie’s singing voice saves her from so much until 2 crimes threaten to take all that way from her.
Then you have Rose. My heart broke for Rose through her whole story. She quickly marries a passerby to escape the life she is living and they head to California. Rose meets Francie and her life changes so much for the better. Rose quickly learns the man she “loves” and married that maybe her father was right about him. But like many marriages in the time period of this book, was trying to stick it out and make it work.
Then comes the story of Beau. The heartbreak he suffers after not being able to help a friend in a legal situation haunts him the rest of his life. However, between that and his divorce he changes his law practice and moves to California.
Oh how I can’t wait to see what happens with these 3 characters in the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2022-12-10 19:11:232022-12-12 10:05:33Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Devon Pulliam
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