Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Erin Meyer is a concert pianist who finds herself living during World War II in German territory. This Historical Fiction book is so well written and kept me glued to the pages. The characters are wonderful. This is a a story of sadness, love, fear, courage and so much more.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Murder On Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series and debut novel by I.M. Foster. As a debut novel, this proved to be well-woven and intriguing. It is an historical crime and investigation story set in the early 1900’s in Long Island.
We follow coroner’s physician, Daniel O’Halleran who leaves New York city for a fresh start on Long Island after being fed up with all the excessive bureaucracy and political play that came with his job, as well as being left at the alter by his fiancée on their wedding day- he’s definitely ready for a change. When an old unsolved murder case is brought to his attention, Daniel begins to investigate, and this is where things start to get interesting, especially when a new murder occurs. What happens makes for an intriguing and suspenseful read.
Looking forward to continuing this series.
Happy reading…
Thank you, I.M. Foster!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street is an historical mystery set in New York, 1904. I thought IM was a new author but soon realised that I have read many of her books which are historical time travel romances under her pseudonym.
Two murders two years a part could they be by the same person? Will the killer try again? Time is of the essence to try and find the killer before they strike again. That means that Daniel must reopen a case he worked on two years prior. Can he get the authorities to listen once and for all?
There is plenty of twists and turns, mystery, danger, murder, mayhem, angst, drama and suspense. All of that will keep you engaged and immersed in the story and the pages turning.
IM does a good job of incorporating the history of the time into the story.
I will leave it to you to read the book and discover what happens in this intriguing tale.
Grab a copy to give as a Christmas present.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical crime novel, with plenty of drama and suspense which had me gripped throughout. Set in New York, during 1904, and Daniel O’Halleran is the coroner’s physician for the city of New York, but after two years he’s grown more frustrated than ever. When his fiancé leaves him at the altar, Daniel packs up and moves on, accepting an offer to assist a local coroner in the small Long Island village of Patchogue. Life on Long Island is much slower than the city, but before long Daniel has a case. He’s surprised to discover the case that the local librarian, Kathleen Brissedon asks him to look into is actually a two year old murder case, which was the first one he ever worked on. Having never thought the verdict was right he agrees to investigate it, however, Daniel soon has a new murder to look into, and he quickly discovers that the two cases may be connected. Daniel needs to find out what the link is before another murder takes place in the South Shore village. I loved the main character, Daniel and thought he was a likeable and relatable character. The descriptive narrative brought the settings to life making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story, and I found this was a real page turner. I look forward to the next book in this new series.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street
I.M. Foster
5*
I have to say that I am a fan of a really good murder mystery and this one did not disappoint. It is the first in a new series and I am definitely ready and waiting for the next book to come out! To me, one of the most important pieces of a murder mystery is that the author is able to keep you on your toes with all the twists and turns and keep you guessing until the end. This story definitely does not disappoint with that. I recommend reading this for a fast paced, keep you guessing old fashioned mystery!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street was a very great read even though it was a slow start. The pace of the story did pick up after a bit. The plot and the characters in the story were very good at intermingling. All of the plot twists kept you on your toes and kept you wondering what was going to happen next. I like how the story is based on how the characters behaved in the early 1900’s.
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book grabbed me from the very beginning. I have been a WWII buff for a while now and always enjoy a different turn on every story from that time. This is completely unique! I really love the magic and mysticism that encircles the little statues, and their unique capabilities. I could feel a sense of the danger surrounding the characters, and really enjoyed the descriptions of how music is more than just notes on a piano, but have a life of their own and can make a person feel ways they don’t naturally feel – the passion and freedom that can come from it. I could not guess where the story was going to go and was hooked the entire time. Truly a great read – and I will probably read it again and again!
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fantasy novel, it was a Irish family saga which had me hooked from start to finish. Although part of a series, I happily read it as a standalone story, however, having enjoyed it so much I am now keen to read the rest of the series. Set in Ireland in 1114, ageing warrior Maelan serves his chief with his bloodied blade, but he also has the unique ability of magical camouflage. His main aim is to provide a legacy for Orlagh, his seventeen year old granddaughter, so he’s horrified when she runs off with a disreputable bard. In order to go after Orlagh, Maelan will have to abandon his chief and risk dishonour. Having to risk disgrace and betrayal to bring his granddaughter home is a real dilemma for the loyal guardsman. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and the setting vividly to life, and the added historical details made the time period realistic. The mix of historical elements and fantasy made this a real page turner.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street is the first book in A South Shore Mystery Book series. I was intrigued by the blurb about the book and that I had not read this author before. I am excited to have read this book and look forward to more from this series. Daniel O’Halleran is frustrated by the politics and red tape he faces in his job as the coroner’s physician. When he changes to a new city, an old case is brought to his attention. Will he finally get closure on the case? Also, is it related to a recent murder?
The characters are great and leave me wanting to learn more about them. I also enjoyed the twists of not only the old case but the new one as well. If you enjoy historical fiction with mystery and suspense, this is a great book to get your hands on.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed every page of this book! My first book by I.M. Foster and I was not disappointed! It’s not a genre I typically read but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Murder mystery’s definitely keep you on your toes! Making you wonder who did it and when you think you finally figure it out…things change. The author has a way of holding your attention! The dialogue, the suspense, the way things are described…so good! If you want a good murder mystery with suspense and drama, read this! And I’m a sucker for dialogue and there was so much in this book.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and suspense. The detail taken throughout the book to make you feel like you were there was amazing and down to every last drop. The characters were so well written. That prologue just grabs you by wrist and yanks you write in to the story. My heart was racing as I read it. I found the plot to be fairly smooth. There were twists and turns that I didn’t quite expect but it all still tied in nicely. A new author to me and, quite frankly, I hope to read more. These are my favorite type of mysteries. I highly recommend you give this book a shot. Well done!
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
New York, 1904. After two years as a coroner’s physician for the city of New York, Daniel O’Halleran is more frustrated than ever. What’s the point when the authorities consistently brush aside his findings for the sake of expediency? So when his fiancée leaves him standing at the altar on their wedding day, he takes it as a sign that it’s time to move on and eagerly accepts an offer to assist the local coroner in the small Long Island village of Patchogue.
Though the coroner advises him life on Long Island is far more subdued than that of the city, Daniel hasn’t been there a month when the pretty librarian, Kathleen Brissedon, asks him to look into a two-year-old murder case that took place in the city. Oddly enough, the case she’s referring to was the first one he ever worked on, and the verdict never sat right with him.
Eager for the chance to investigate it anew, Daniel agrees to look into it in his spare time, but when a fresh murder occurs in his own backyard, he can’t shake his gut feeling that the two cases are somehow connected. Can he discover the link before another life is taken, or will murder shake the peaceful South Shore village once again?
Inez is a historian and librarian, who love to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After a brain injury leaves Nick O’Connor somewhat confused, his wife, Julia is hesitant to travel to Venice for her career. Nick convinces her and his doctor that he is stable, and the pair goes on their trip. While exploring artwork, Nick believes that a beautiful woman inside of a painting called Paradise is talking to him, but only he can hear her. Unsure as to if it is real, or if it is his brain injury talking, he ignores it. Then, he passes out. Nick tries to write it off as his brain injury, but something pulls him to return to Paradise to see if the instance occurs again, and it does. During his return, Nick finds that the woman’s name is Isabella and that her soul is trapped within the painting. Julia starts to fear for Nick’s wellbeing, while Nick puts the two of them further into danger. What exactly is Paradise and who are the people who are protecting it? Answers are found, while more mystery behind the painting unfold.
The Prisoner of Paradise is full of relatable characters, action, mystery, and betrayal. The scenes the writer describes can easily be envisioned, as well as the emotions that the characters feel can be felt through the reader. The Prisoner of Paradise is a work of art within itself. I would not change a single part of it.
If you are looking for a thriller full of beautiful sights, mystery, twists and turns, and love, look no further. I cannot wait to pick up the sequel, Painter of the Damned.
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh be still my beating heart ! This was magnificent ! It’s one of those reads that just grab you and run with you and you’ll read again and again just to make sure you didn’t miss anything and it’s just that good ❣️📕
I love classical music , it’s always playing in my home and library and having played the violin for many years myself this was the perfect read and naturally I had brilliant backround music 😉
When Erin is contacted by attorneys regarding her grandmother’s estate she rather confused as she had passed 6 years prior but it seems grandmother had planned things ahead and she had an intuition for things . Anyhoo , a box is handed over to her with a brief explanation and when she opened that box I actually just cried at the way she describes how she could smell her gran , for years after my mum dies I could open her box that contained a string of pearls and I could still smell her so it really hit me ❣️
So Erin opened the box and our journey begins it’s as if the figurines contained within let’s us time travel .
Erin finds herself playing not only for her life but for those of others as well and my heart just aches for her and what was going through her mind at the time ….
A brilliant read that I’d highly recommend
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Operation Blackbird is the 2nd book in the Brass Compass Series, however, it can be read as a stand alone. There are some overlapping characters but it is a solid story on its own. This book takes place in the 1940s after WW2 and during the Cold War. It is a historical fiction, based around true events, but with some of the authors imagination to fill in the gaps. This book had me so hooked from the get go. Miriam has a couple alias along the way, as a operative for the CIA. She and her team are sent to retrieve and rescue a Soviet and his family. Their mission is to get them out of Berlin and to America. They are dodging and evading agents from KGB, Stasis and even other CIA operatives. Staying alive and keeping their “package” alive proves to be harder than expected. I love the suspense of this book as well as the added relationships of Miriam and her friends. The ending was perfect. I look forward to more and recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical stories.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
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!
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler. I love this series and this book was no different. I could not put it down. Its the story of Miriam a CIA operative during the Cold War. She has seen more than any one person should see and her dreams keep her awake at night. Trying to fight the KGB and be one step ahead of them at all times is a job in itself. Her mission this time is very dangerous and if she can succeed then she will save more than one life. She is trying to help a scientist deflect from Russia and to do that she may end up in more danger herself. This book is so full of history and spy stuff that I found so very interesting. You don’t know who to trust and there is danger around every corner. I can’t wait til the next book in this amazing series. Do yourself a favor and read it today.
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.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Operation Blackbird is another enjoyable installment in The Brass Compass series. I liked Jake in Book one and I was glad to see him get his own book, to see what he got up to after the war, and to read his love story. I also really enjoyed reading about the strong, resourceful, independent Miriam. Operation Blackbird was an intense, nail biter of a book, and it brought to light the dangers that people involved in espionage, and spying, actually endure, and how much they actually put on the line every time they go ‘under’, though they are incredibly important to their cause they must question every move, every answer, and every everything. I did learn some things that I didn’t already know about this time period, and I was inspired to do more research on it. What happened after WWII, and the war between the Soviet Union and the U.S was new territory for me. I loved historical fiction because it keeps me interested, usually involves a bit of romance, teaches me something, and inspires me to learn more. Operation Blackbird checked all those boxes. I can recommend this book and I will definitely be picking up any other book the author adds to this series, and you should too.
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I first came across Ellen’s book Operation Blackbird which was actually book two in the Brass Compass series but I’m the type that always likes to check out previous books in a series before just in case they are interconnected. Book number one was this book The Brass Compass and the premise of it was right up my alley considering the historical fiction aspect, and it being based during WW II. The characters from book one are in book 2 and sometimes they will reference events that occur in the other but I don’t feel that it’s absolutely necessary to read them in order as they are each their own separate stories with the focus being on their own characters, following a different story line, and a different historical event. I throughly enjoyed The Brass Compass and fell in love with its storyline, and it’s characters. I thought it flowed well, was incredibly well-written, and I enjoyed the twists, and turns. The camaraderie and relationships between the characters in such tense times with the added touch of a little romance was just lovely. Whenever I opened my kindle I was wholly absorbed into Lily, a U.S spy, and Charlie, a major in the U.S Military, and their world. I just didn’t want to stop reading. I eagerly look forward to book two and other books written by this author.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The detail in this book – it’s amazing! The saying ‘show don’t tell’ definitely applies to this beautifully written narrative about the Cold War. Characters from previous titles in this series make appearances but our new heroine Miriam is feisty and brave as she navigates the new world in the decades following WWII. Another great story from this fantastic author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lily – the heroine of this tale – is brave and daring and the narrative is written in such a way that as the reader you are kept on the edge of your seat by what happens to her! This story reminds us that the end of the war was not clear cut by any means and that there were many parties involved, all with their own agendas. Definitely worth a read – especially if, like me you’re a fan of historical fiction!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seven years after her grandmother’s passing, Erin inherits a strange box containing very realistic and intricately-made figurines. She can sense energy coming from them as soon as she opens the box and sees what is inside. She could only imagine the power they held at that point. But before she knows it, she is being teleported back in time to WWII France, and into someone else’s body, where she is responsible for entertaining a powerful German soldier with her musical talent. Erin finds herself and her friends taking a huge risk to hide and aid an injured pilot that was gunned down. She can’t stand the thought of losing him, and she is certain she knows him from another time. Can she keep the German soldier happy and her friends safe as she tries to understand what has happened to bring her there?
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg is a well-balanced and captivating story of history, time travel and romance. From the very first page, this story hooked me and made it nearly impossible to put away. The author has a way with words and weaved them into such a unique and intriguing tale, that I could swear I was back in France as well as I read along. I highly recommend!
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.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Brass Compass series; however, you don’t necessarily need to read the first in order to understand what’s going on (I didn’t) in this one. This is more of a companion novel, not a sequel. I am going to go back and read the first one to see how much it enriches this novel, but you can definitely read this as a standalone.
We follow Miriam Becker, a CIA operative, who has one last mission with an old friend, Jake Devlin but things don’t go as planned and when Jake puts his life before hers, Miriam is forced to flee while Jake is left behind.
I really enjoyed not only Ellen Butler’s character development and her strong female lead, but also the way she develops her plot and just pulls the read in from the get-go and doesn’t let them go. I couldn’t put this book down. I love historical fiction and this went above and beyond what I thought it would be.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a lovely historical romance which also contained some time travel. It was nice to see how the time travel was incorporated into the storyline adding beauty to the relationship between the characters rather than seeming out of place.
As the book progressed, I became increasingly engrossed in Erin and Alrick’s relationship, and feared for their safety in the dangers they faced in WW2 era occupied France. The historical elements were well-written and reflected the dangers faced by those living at the time.
Whilst I was expecting a twist, I was not prepared for the reveal of the real twist, and I kick myself, now looking back, for overlooking the well-placed clues.
I loved the ending and how there were clear links to previous parts of the story, which is what I had hoped for.
There are elements which may appear to be unanswered questions; however, this adds to how well the piece was written. These ‘gaps’ fit perfectly into the story and make it more realistic not knowing what happened to certain characters given that even now there are people whose fate are not known from the war. On this point I share a similar view to Erin – it allows me to imagine a happily ever after for them.
I thought the description and use of music in this book was a unique element and as Erin’s compositions were described I could imagine bits and pieces of how the music may sound or make me feel. Music is incredibly powerful, and I have not often come across writing, which is able to portray this effectively, but in this, I was able to feel what Erin felt as she played and hear how her pieces may have sounded.
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.
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!
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!
