The Graves of Whitechapel by Claire Evans
The Graves of Whitechapel is a compelling exploration of a grimy, dark and crime infested Victorian Whitechapel. A murder mystery at its core it also looks at the different shades of morality that people experience. This book is relentlessly dark, I kid you not. This is a veritable black hole of despair and desperation but at the same time it’s hopelessly addictive and so very atmospheric. I was literally transported back in time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this classic-feeling murder mystery.
Five years ago Cage Lackmann successfully defended his client, Moses Pickering, of a murder charge. Moses walked free and Cage continued with his infamous career. Known as the Poet, he’s not averse to waxing lyrical in the courtroom as he defends the ne’er do wells of London’s criminal underbelly. Unfortunately, that case is about to come back and bite him hard on the unmentionable. An identical murder to the one Moses was originally accused of has occurred and whilst this could be a copycat the very fact that Moses has disappeared really doesn’t bode well. Things look very bad for Cage. His career could be over, he has many debts and is down to his last decent bottle of claret. He needs to find Moses and he also needs to find the killer.
I’m not going to elaborate further on the plot but instead discuss what worked so well for me with this one.
Firstly, the style. It’s wonderfully evocative and has the feel of a classic but with a more modern and easy to access style of writing. The attention to detail was excellent and the pacing was almost, after a brief spell finding its feet, frenetic.
Secondly, the setting. Victorian London, without doubt, makes the perfect setting for this style of story. Narrow this to Whitechapel during perhaps one of it’s most illicit and salacious periods and you’re really ticking boxes. This is positively Dickensian (without the overabundant wordiness). Poverty, filth, dark alleys, houses of ill repute, seedy landlords and their dilapidated properties, criminal bosses and down at heel types – it’s all here.
Thirdly, the characters. There’s such a lot going on here. There’s the murders of course which make for compelling enough reading on their own when, like me, you’re desperate to unravel the clues. But, more than the plot there are the characters. They’re all so morally dubious. Cage for example. He has secrets. He’s retained by a criminal boss, There’s a lot more on his mind than murder and he’s the sort of character you kind of want to shake. Or slap. Or both. His family history is also painted in shades of grey with his glamorous yet flighty mother who seemed to sell him out as a young child. We have the beleaguered detective, angry and aptly named Cross – he’s so determined to catch someone that whether he catches the murderer or not seems incidental. And there are a number of other characters, equally painted in shades of grey that help to maintain the sense of mystery.
The plot itself runs around like a headless chicken. Sometimes I was baffled but I was certainly never bored. Cage is like a maniac charging between destinations, picking up clues and red herrings as though there’s no tomorrow. He goes on some wild goose chases. He gets into bother. He uncovers some truths, particularly about people and the fact that sometimes being different isn’t something to be feared.
In terms of criticisms. Nothing much to be honest. The story takes a little time to find it’s feet but to be fair I think this was necessary. It helped to give a feel for the characters and provide some backstory and I think everything here was essential in helping the mystery unfold in a way that was compelling. Plus, there was still these tantilising little snippets that kept you glued. In fact, if time was no issue, and books weren’t multiplying like rampant bunnies around the place, I would love to read this again and follow the trail of clues once more to see what I missed. As it is, those bunnies books won’t read themselves now will they?
In conclusion, this was a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historical murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d say, if Cage and Cross were to make a reappearance I wouldn’t hesitate to read more, although that’s just purely wishing as there is no indication that this is a series.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Can’t Wait Wednesday : The Nesting by C.J. Cooke
24 June 2020
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Can't wait Wednesday, CJ Cooke, The Nesting, Wishful Endings
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that was originally created by Breaking the Spine. Unfortunately Breaking the Spine are no longer hosting so I’m now linking my posts up to Wishful Endings Can’t Wait Wednesday. Don’t forget to stop over, link up and check out what books everyone else is waiting for. If you want to take part, basically, every Wednesday, we highlight a book that we’re really looking forward to. This week my book is : The Nesting by C.J. Cooke
It was like something out of a fairytale…
The grieving widower.
The motherless daughters.
A beautiful house in the woods.
And a nanny come to save the day.
So what if Lexi isn’t telling the truth about who she is? Escaping to the remote snows of Norway was her lifeline. And all she wanted was to be a part of their lives.
But soon, isolated in that cold, creaking house in the middle of ancient, whispering woods, Lexi’s fairytale starts to turn into a nightmare.
With darkness creeping in from the outside, Lexi’s fears are deepening. Lexi knows she needs to protect the children in her care.
But protect them from what?
Expected publication : October 2020
Top Ten Tuesday : You had me at hello.
23 June 2020
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: That Artsy Reader Girl, Things that Make Me Want to Read a book, Top Ten Tuesday
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme where every Tuesday we look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) bookish examples to demonstrate that particular topic. Top Ten Tuesday (created and hosted by The Broke and Bookish) is now being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and future week’s topics can be found here. This week:
Top Ten Tuesday is 10 years old – happy birthday to you and thank you to the Artsy Reader Girl and before that the Broke and the Bookish for hosting! There are a range of suggestions for this week’s topic – one of which is to choose to redo a back topic and so I’ve gone with:
TOP TEN THINGS THAT MAKE ME IMMEDIATELY WANT TO READ A BOOK:
and I’ve amended this slightly to incorporate some of my forthcoming books that fit the descriptions:
1. If the description has the word ‘gothic’ anywhere. I simply can’t help myself. I need ALL the gothic in my life. I have a lovely little number coming up very soon that promises much goodness in that respect -in fact the word “gothic’ is even in the title so how could I possibly resist: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. And, also I love this author – and highly recommend Certain Dark Things as a great starting point.
2. Author – see above as a perfect example. I have quite a wonderful, in fact magnificent, list of absolutely must read authors which I like to add to frequently. One of my top recent reads was the Ten Thousand Doors of January which I adored. It definitely made me incredibly curious to read anything else by Alix E Harrow and fortunately my hopes and dreams have all come true. Just look what is due out in the not so distant future: The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow. In fact this also gives me goosebumps in another way – it includes the word ‘witches’ – another little bit of catnip for me.
3. Much anticipated final books in a series. I think in some respects I have issues when it comes to completing a series, almost like I’m scared for all the goodness to end and I just want more – which really doesn’t sit well with the way I, at the same time, like to gobble books up as though there’s no tomorrow. Anyway, I have a much anticipated final book on my tbr: The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy #3) by S.A. Chakraborty. I have been loving this and can’t wait to see what comes next:
4. Hype – I know this sounds like something that should really be avoided, but seriously, who can ignore the ‘hype? When everyone’s raving about a forthcoming book every book loving book worm with a TBR the size of Everest is going to be gagging to get their hands on just one more ‘sparkly’ new book. It sounds awful, I admit it,and it sounds really shallow but I get sucked in every time and it’s just perfect when the hype is real and well deserved. Here is a forthcoming book that I’m very excited about and has been garnering much love. Fingers crossed that this is as good as it sounds: The Bone Shard Daughter (The Drowning Empire #1) by Andrea Stewart:
5. Famous people – fictional or not – placed into new works of fiction. So, I have a copy of Stoker’s Wilde West by Steven Hopstaken – which is the second in the series (and believe me I rushed out to buy the first one so that I can inhale it before I get to this one). Just imagine how excited I was to hear about a series where Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker are the leading characters. Yes, pretty excited. I have both these gorgeous little books just waiting to be read. I am excitement.
6. Murder Mystery – I’m loving murder mysteries and thrillers at the moment and one of my next reads also fits into authors that I love so this is a double whammy: The Shadow Friend by Alex North:
7. Epic-y goodness – it’s my first love after all. The more epic the better and my next book isn’t just epic, it’s also an author that I love (No.2), it’s the final instalment in a series (No.3) and also is receiving a lot of hype and much love (No.4): Paternus: War of Gods (Paternus Trilogy #3) by Dyrk Ashton (plus, check out the epic cover!):
8. School Settings -whether magical schools, school for different types of supernaturals, assassins or -well, pretty much any school -colour me happy – so I was super excited when I heard about Naomi Novik’s next release (because, she just happens to be a favourite author (see No.2 above): A Deadly Education(Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik. I can’t wait for this one’s release.
9. Books that suggest there will be unknown creatures or critters (and they WILL be scary) – the next author is a master in this respect and I’m very excited about this next book: The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky:
10. – what’s your auto buy??
#SPFBO 6 – Saturday Snapshots : Excerpt – Curse of the Jenri by Stephanie Barr
20 June 2020
Filed under #SPFBO, Book Reviews
Tags: #SPFBO 6, Curse of the Jenri, Saturday Snapshots, Stephanie Barr
The 1st of June marked the start of the sixth Self Published Fantasy Blog Off (details here.) Whilst the competition is taking part I’d like to post excerpts from some of the books that have entered the contest. If you’d like to make use of this space to post a teaser to entice readers then let me know in the comments.
Today’s teaser comes from one of the books in my first batch (for which I will be posting an update soon) : Curse of the Jenri by Stephanie Barr:
** Excerpt **
“Everything points to you having unnoticed, but apparently significant, magical abilities, as yet untapped.”
“Significant? Does it have to be significant? Couldn’t I just have a smidge, a tiny-tiny taste? And we don’t have to tap it, do we?”
“I fear your talents must be great. The greatest magic wielders tend to be somewhat resistant to others’ spells, but rarely to the extent you are. Still, there are select bloodlines without talent who are naturally difficult to ensorcel. I knew nothing of your home province, so I had just assumed you to be of one of these bloodlines.”
Put me on your shoulder, please. I like to be up high, asked the only totally black kitten, pawing at his leg.
Absently, Tander complied. “Well, that must be it. Magic resistance must just run in my family.”
“Magical talent also runs in bloodlines, which is why the Jenri are universally gifted, although to varying degrees.”
“The people in my family were always warriors. There are no spell-slingers in my family, none, I tell you. There aren’t but a handful in the whole of Amerland.”
“How far back in your family have you history?”
“Well, we’ve held kingship of Amerland for three gen—well, it doesn’t matter how far back we go. What I’m telling you is that no one in our family is magical.”
Glendana smiled indulgently as a silver tabby kitten peeked out from Tander’s tunic. “How do you know? You didn’t know you were talented.”
“I’m not! Weren’t you listening? I can’t weave spells. Never could.” Tander grabbed a fluffy gray kitten that was crawling up his leg, underneath his tunic. “Will you be still? Why don’t you all take a catnap or something?”
“Ever try?” Glendana asked calmly as Wanting sleepily curled up on her own shoulder.
The purring black kitten on his shoulder said, I’m sleepy, but I’m cold. Bring someone else to sleep up here.
“Ever try what?” Tander demanded, distracted, as he dumped the gray kitten next to the black.
“Casting spells,” Glendana continued patiently, not letting her amusement touch more than her eyes.
Put me up there, too, demanded a tan-and-black striped kitten.
Tander picked the striped kitten up and regarded it sternly. “I don’t need a bunch of kittens giving me orders. Besides, you can’t all fit up there.” With that, Tander tossed the kitten onto his wide shoulder, where it immediately curled up with its two siblings and began purring.
I can sleep right here. It’s warm, said the kitten in his tunic, purring against his chest.
“Oh, well, if you’re comfortable, I am overjoyed,” Tander said. “Where are the last two?”
Asleep in the pouch, the tortoiseshell thought sleepily.
“Well, that’s something, anyway. Now, if you all don’t mind, I’m trying to talk to Glendana.” Tander took a deep breath. “Now, Glendana, what were you asking?”
“Have you ever tried to use magic?”
“No! Alright? No! I’m a warrior. All I ever wanted to be was a warrior, and not a warrior like you Jenri, a swordsman, plain and simple. You ever seen me with a sword?”
“Yes. You are a gifted swordsman.”
“Thank Bastor for small favors! That’s what I do, all I want to do. I don’t have magic blood. I don’t want magic blood. I just want to kill people with my sword. Is that so wrong?”
** Ends **
The world of the Jenri is a dangerous, primitive world, where women are prized as chattel, but the Jenri women, every one from the eldest archivist to the smallest babe, strike fear into battle-hardened mercenary hearts. It is a world where battle steeds are mythical beasts and magic is as deadly a weapon as a sword. Those who wield both are doubly dangerous and those who cross them are thrice damned. The Jenri are mistresses of all these things. If you love one of these marvelous women, you must best her in a contest of her choosing to win her love in return.
These were women who needed no one to take care of them. Until now.
#SPFBO 6 – Cover love (2)
19 June 2020
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: #SPFBO 6, A Wind from the Wilderness, C M Debell, Cover Love, Of Honey and Wildfires, Sarah Chorn, Silver Mage, Suzannah Rowntree
The 1st of June marked the start of the sixth Self Published Fantasy Blog Off (details here.) My Introductory post is here and my first batch of books is here. I’ve made a good starting on the reading and hope to post an update soon. In the meantime, this year I’m aiming to shine a little bit of focus on some of the books either through posting excerpts to act as teasers for potential readers or through posting some of the covers and highlighting the book that way (not just for my own books but other entries). The invitation is open to all authors from the competition – if you’d like to post an excerpt then give me a shout in the comments.
As part of the competition there is a cover contest. The details can be found here.
So, this week’s SPFBO covers:
Of Honey and Wildfires by Sarah Chorn
Cover: Pen Astridge
From the moment the first settler dug a well and struck a lode of shine, the world changed. Now, everything revolves around that magical oil.
What began as a simple scouting expedition becomes a life-changing ordeal for Arlen Esco. The son of a powerful mogul, Arlen is kidnapped and forced to confront uncomfortable truths his father has kept hidden. In his hands lies a decision that will determine the fate of everyone he loves—and impact the lives of every person in Shine Territory.
The daughter of an infamous saboteur and outlaw, Cassandra has her own dangerous secrets to protect. When the lives of those she loves are threatened, she realizes that she is uniquely placed to change the balance of power in Shine Territory once and for all.
Secrets breed more secrets. Somehow, Arlen and Cassandra must find their own truths in the middle of a garden of lies.
A Wind from the Wilderness (Watchers of Outremer #1) by Suzannah Rowntree
Cover: Seedlings Design Studio
Hunted by demons. Lost in time.
Welcome to the First Crusade.
A Wind from the Wilderness is Book 1 in the new Watchers of Outremer series. If you love stories full of dark magic, bloody warfare, and star-crossed love, then you’ll be spellbound by this sweeping historical fantasy!
Silver Mage by C M Debell
Cover: MibI Art
The dragons once sacrificed everything to destroy their enemy. They failed. Now the burden of that failure falls on the man they have called to reforge what their war destroyed – the link between the races and the magic that holds the world together.
A classic epic fantasy adventure, Silver Mage is the standalone first novel in the Long Dream sequence. The sequel will be published in 2020.
There are some stunning covers this year – do you have a favourite from the three above. Anything catch your fancy?
Books and travelling with Lynn 