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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations #1) by CB Laurence-Review by Amanda Kimble

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Road to the Mansfield: Express Investigations Series #1 by CB Laurence

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The author sure knows how to write. Road to Mansfield is the first book in the Express Investigations Series.

Francie left her home because her mom was dying. She didn’t know at the time that her momma was sick. It wasn’t until after she got to her new home she learned the truth. Now she’s being investigated because people around her keep dying. The quote I chose for Francie is: “I don’t know how I would have survived without you. It’s because of you Miss Claire doesn’t sell me. Not so far, anyway.”

Highly recommended for Historical Crime lovers.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Mary Espinoza

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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!

Mary Espinoza, December 2022

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Betsy Melano

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Rachel Moss

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jess Dimmock

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Julie McComas

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Carr

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Beverly Finnie

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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!

@placexba
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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Devon Pulliam

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Paula R Sayers

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a page turner that I could not put down!! Road to the Mansfield tells the stories of three individuals who all end up at the Mansfield where their paths cross. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to be released!!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Erin DeRoma

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s like 3 different stories in 1. I truly enjoyed all 3 main characters and thought they were well developed.
This was such a good well written easy read. I honestly can’t wait to continue reading this series.
I was hooked chapter one, and it literally kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read it in 2 nights and was honestly itching to get back to it during the work day.
The writing was so engaging, I thought that I had figured things out a few times and yet was so off base each time.
Can’t wait for book 2.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield is a 3 part story.
Francie is the first story we read. If you have ever heard Fancy by Reba McIntire, that’s basically the plot to the story. She is basically sent to a whorehouse when her mom is dying where she is expected to work for her room and board. She has a beautiful voice and negotiates her freedom, by being the entertainment instead. She has a hard life but remains strong and breaks free. She then negotiates a deal for herself to be a singer in a nightclub.
We then hop to the next story, of Rose. Rose is young, just 18 and is blinded by what she believes to be love. She is desperate to leave her Podunk town, that she runs away with a man she’s known less than 3 weeks. He turns out as we expect and treats her badly. Both Rose and her husband end up working at the Mansfield. As we see Rose’s marriage deteriorate, we see her friendship grow with Ruby.
The last part of the story is quite different. It focuses on Beau, a lawyer. His story is a bit shorter, but eventually he too winds up at the Mansfield, but not yet meeting Ruby and Rose.
The book was amazing and I loved it. I am not happy with the ending. Total cliff hanger…. but Book 2 comes out in 1 week so I don’t have long to wait for the continued story. While researching, I saw the author was inspired by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson music video for Because of You… and it all makes sense. I can see it and she did wonderful expanding a 3 minute music video into what I anticipate to be a wonderful series.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Toni Sellers

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in The Express Investigations series. Very well written. Perfectly paced, historical crime novel with plenty of suspense and drama. Great characters, it kept me interested the entire read and definitely wanting more. I loved that it was three stories, yet all brought together. An absolute must read.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Ashley Sugar

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh I really enjoyed this book! 3 different stories about 3 different people that all come together on one night. Having different POV’s is my favorite!! You get everyone’s thoughts and I love that! Makes a book great in my opinion! The way the author describes everything is absolute perfection and it’s like I can feel what the characters are feeling. The twists and turns…I’m here for it. I was hooked on this book and I’ll be looking at more of this authors writing. Huge page turner for me and I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. This genre isn’t usually one I read..but I’m far from disappointed!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62952597-road-to-the-mansfield” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665435304l/62952597._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62952597-road-to-the-mansfield”>Road to the Mansfield</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21041433.C_B_Laurence”>C.B. Laurence</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5138299035″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Francie Roubideaux is from the Bayou where she spends her days catching frogs in the swamps and helping her mother see dresses by night. She has no idea why this woman had come to fetch her but it can’t be good. <br /><br />Rose Donovan is desperate to leave her small hometown and finds her escape by leaving a handsome stranger. Her father and friends tried to warn her but she was smitten. When they arrive in California her talents are sold by her now husband to the owner of The Mansfield. She soon realizes the truth of how things will be now that the rose colored glasses have come off.<br /><br />Beau Heartwell has it all with a good job, a loving wife and a perfect record as an up and coming lawyer. When his best friend is framed for a murder he sees stuff that makes him questioning things he had believed in over the last decade. He winds up finding himself with no job, wife or home. He makes his way to California to start fresh with a little help from friends and a new job with Express Investigation Team. <br /><br />All these strangers end up crossing paths at The Mansfield and things turn tragic. I’m looking forward to seeing how things transpired and how each of these characters were involved.
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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence

Road to the Mansfield is the first book in the Express Investigations Series and is a suspenseful read that one you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. This is a new author to me but I must say im a fan already. This is one of those books that will have you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to put all the pieces together. This authors style of writing along with their characters make for a wonderful story. This is about three different people and three different stories but one fateful night there worlds collide and no one saw it coming. This is a fast paced story where there’s alot going on but this author did a wonderful job bring everything together . I’m not going to give anything away but I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t hardly wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Bakder

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started this book I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I was blown away by how fantastic it was. Firstly, I loved the era it was set in. I really felt like I was transported there while reading the book. The fact that the book was also telling three different stories just added so much extra depth to the story.
All of the characters added so much to the storyline. They were interesting and unique, offering a great dynamic between them. They all fit with the timeline and the story that the author was telling. As this first book in the series I feel that the author has started as they mean to go on. This was a strong opening and has enticed me enough to want to read more. I can’t wait to see where this series is going.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a new author to me and when I read the synopsis I decided to dive into this book and I am so glad I did!! Wow…this story, while having 3 different parts to it and then how the story intertwines the characters at the end….fabulous. While the years of when the stories take place are around 1920’s and 1930’s, this is not my normal range to read as far the timelines…..I was so pleasantly pleased and I devoured this book and could not put it down. Turning each page to see what happens to Francie, Rose and Beau.

Francie Roubideaux is a young 17 year old girl living in hardship with her mother and younger brother as her father is in jail. When an opportunity comes along to Francie’s mother to give Francie a life that she deserved by Madam Claire, Francie’s mother does so. Francie befriends a girl named Lula and they are both joining Madam Claire to be proper women….but when tides turn and her Francie’s life is turned upside down….can Francie survive once she ends up at the
Mansfield Supper Club?

Rose Donovan has dreams of leaving her small town for big city dream with her best friend, May. When Rico Valentino enters the Fenders Shake Shoppe..he is already has his eyes set on Rose. The more time Rico and Rose spend together, the more Rose falls for Rico leaving her best friend behind. Nothing is what it seems behind closed doors between Rico and Rose once they are married and set to live in Hollywood. Rico has his eyes set on fame for Rose at the Mansfield Supper Club as a singer.

Beau Hartwell is an up and coming lawyer in Atlanta with a beautiful socialite wife at his side. When Beau’s childhood best friend, Poke, sends his sister Annie to Beau in need of help after being accused of a crime he did not commit…will Beau be able to defend Poke especially after the injustice being ensued by both the judge and officers that are only out for blood?

All 3 character stories really tug at me for different reasons. There are some parts not easy to read for sure…murder, intrigue, abuse, injustice, heartbreak for all….but Beau, Rose and Francie all end up together at the Mansfield Supper Club for one reason or another…..

I cannot wait to get my hands and eyes on book 2!! I need to know what happens next…….

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Road to Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by C.B. Laurence Reviewed by Jessica Pritt

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was really good. I don’t think I have read a mystery exposing so much of the truth. I loved how all three stories intertwined together. I am excited to the next book in the series. This book had me wondering what next was going to happen. I really enjoyed that there were strong female characters.

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Reviewed by @purplesky25276

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Erin Vosters

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book! It is so well written and the story is so wonderful! It pulled me in and there I stayed!

.Francie grew up on the bayou and that’s what she knows best, although she is being transitioned into a whole other world within no amount of time. Rose is a small town girl with big town dreams and you will also follow her as she transitions into a woman. Both women end up at the Mansfield.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by April McCoy

Road to the Mansfield  (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read from the beginning. Full of mystery. I enjoyed the time era and felt like I travelled in time for it! This book captured me in a way a book hasn’t in a long time. I read it all the way through in one sitting and finished satisfied and glad I had read it! Definitely will look for more from this author!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the description of Road to the Mansfield I was still wholly unprepared for this book. The title is very accurate for the contents of the book. It is actually three smaller stories that tell the story of what led these three people to the Mansfield and ultimately set them up to be in the right place at the right time on one fateful, tragic night. This book is a fast-paced page turner, it’s absorbing, and suspenseful. I didn’t want to stop reading it. I do feel a few trigger warnings should preface Road to the Mansfield such as Rape, Prostitution, Abuse, Controlling Men, and Death of a Friend in a graphic way, just to keep in mind. At the end we are left with a big cliffhanger ending that sets up a perfect opening for book two, which I am fully looking forward to. I think it’s best to go into this book with no specifics, other than the trigger warnings, or preconceived ideas, and just know that you are in for a wild ride.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Sheri Schrader

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield is the first book in the Express Investigations series. The blurb for this book drew me in, and I was not disappointed. The book focuses on three stories that converge on one evening in 1927. I will not give more about the plot because I do not want to wreck someone’s experience. I enjoyed getting the different character POV while reading. Each kept me reading to find out what would happen to them. The story has twists and turns in the plot that are excellently woven together. I stayed up late into the night reading this book and look forward to more in this series. This was a new author for me and I’m glad I stumbled upon this book.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Christine Baranek

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield
By: CB Laurence
5*

This book contains three major characters whose stories lead them to the Mansfield Supper Club. It details the decisions and life’s twists and turns that brings them to the Supper Club. Each one is there for different reasons and I have to say I found this book impossible to put down. Their stories collide in one eventful night.
This book is definitely one where it is hard to say any more about it because it is so good that I want to allow everyone to experience its magic for themselves. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book! I cannot recommend that you read this enough.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Road to the Mansfield  (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me, and I must say I was very much pulled in all the way through with this book, and the story. I was left stunned often and wanted more as I read! It was easy to be immersed!

A great thrill of a mystery! I was immersed and intrigued all the way, I loved how 3 different stories, became one with this mystery that was a foot. Every bit of info proved to be crucial to the story. You could take anything for granted. So much can happen in one night and this book proves that. I loved the writing style, and how the story flowed and came together. I loved the characters and how they changed as things went on. The author weaved together a story of interest and intrigue! Great read! Loved it!

This was such a fantastic and rare gem. Could not get enough of it by any means! I definitely recommend this must read book as well as author! A read that shouldn’t be passed up by any means!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Tausha Treadway

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence. This is a great mystery suspense read. Its the story of the Express Investigations Detective Agency. 3 people in different times and places end up converging together due to life’s circumstances. Rose Donovan is swept off her feet by a man and ends up leaving with him against the advice of several people. He ends up moving her to California and selling her singing to the Mansfield Hotel. Francie Roubideaux is handed a hard life and ends up at a House of Pleasure but her singing saves her from worse things. She eventually finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel singing. Beau Hartwell is a up and coming attorney that seems to have it all but when he loses everything he finds himself in California with his friend at the Express Investigations Detective Agency and they all three come together during a crazy night. This read will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book #1) by C.B. Laurence – Review by Angela Hayes

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Road to the Mansfield is the first gripping book in the Express Investigations series by C.B. Laurence. This intriguing prequel was the perfect way to get me hooked on the series. Telling three stories in one, this wonderful, multi-layered and complex tale introduces the extremely interesting characters, giving us their ‘backstories’, while bringing them together so their paths intersect, and Express Investigations can rise.
The characters are all so interesting and dynamic- they have been cleverly crafted into fully realised individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. They pulled me into the story/s and had me invested in them and the outcome of their tale/s.
The author has woven a superbly detailed and descriptive historical crime and investigation novel- their attention to detail really brought the whole story to life- weaving a rich tapestry which completely immersed me in the era. With plenty of mysteriousness, dramatic developments, edge of your seat moments, action, adventure, heartache, emotion, tension, intrigue, and more- this book will keep you flipping the pages, reading avidly to discover how everything plays out…
I can’t wait to see where we go from here!
Bring on Book #2!

Thank you, C.B. Laurence!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jenni Bishop

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield is the first compelling books in the Express Investigations Series. CB says it was inspired by the Reba McEntire video for ‘Because of You’ that was written by Kelly Clarkson. It does have a powerful meaning behind it. I can see why it inspired CB to write this book.

Three different stories three very different people but as the author says, “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming…”

The stories are centred around the Express Investigations detective agency and are all told in multiple POV’s. We get a much more rounded picture of the characters their background and how they got there. The author does this well.

This shrewdly crafted tale had me turning the pages. I had to know what was going on. Sleep is overrated. The well written characters are as engaging as the story itself. There are surprising twists and turns to keep you guessing all the way through.

I am not going to reveal anything else because this is one of those stories that you should go in without any preconceived ideas or information and discover it all for yourself.

The story doesn’t end it just sets us up for the next book that it is to be continued. I am most certainly looking forward to seeing how the worlds collide.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast paced and suspenseful historical crime novel had plenty of mystery and drama which had me gripped from start to finish. The main characters include a swamp rat turned lady, a hotshot southern attorney, and a small town dreamer, all of which endure life’s ups and downs, to end up at Hollywood’s swanky Mansfield Supper Club. In 1927, Louisiana, seventeen year old Francie Roubideaux from the Louisiana bayou finds herself under the iron rule of Miss Claire in New Orleans. Francis uses her “daddy’s wits and her mama’s grace”, to survive, but fate and fickle fortune have plans for her. Rose Donovan’s dreary small town life in Illinois, during 1937, becomes exciting when a New York City music man whisks her away to Hollywood. However, Rose is soon torn between an addictive passion and another man’s arms, and finds that it’s more than her heart that’s on the line.

Georgia, in 1936, and a rising star on the Atlanta legal circuit, Beau Hartwell is envied by every lawyer in the city, until his past comes back to haunt him. Beau has to go from the big city to backwoods justice, with a case that can break more than his career. “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming”, and the storyline definitely had me hooked. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the settings vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. Although the three stories are complete at the end of this novel, it does have a ‘to be continued’ ending. I look forward to book two in this new series.

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me. I enjoyed their writing skills that brought their story to life. This is a well written story where three worlds collide in one fateful night. No one will see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were able to pull me into the story. They kept the story engaging and easy to read. A fast paced story that has twists and turns that left me turning pages fast. There is much going on in this story but the author did a great job of transitions to keep the story entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing more from this author. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner