I received this e-book from NetGalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Emily and husband Colin have come to the French Riviera for what should be a joyous occasion – the engagement party of her llifelong friend Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge, and Amity Wells, an American heiress. But the merrymaking is cut short with the shocking death of one of the party in an apparent suicide. Not convinced by the coroner’s verdict, Emily must employ all of her investigative skills to discover the truth and avert another tragedy.
The Adventuress is the 10th entry in the Victorian Lady Emily Mystery series and thankfully shows no signs of the fatigue that sometimes appears in long running series. Once again Tasha Alexander has combined a compelling historical mystery with her signature sense of humor, which makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The story is told from Emily’s first person accounts of the extended engagement party and her subsequent investigation into the death of one of the guests, and Amity’s third person flashbacks of the past events that lead up to her engagement to Emily’s childhood friend Jeremy as well as her own point of view regarding the events transpiring during what was supposed to be a joyous occasion. There is such a difference in their voices that if I didn’t know better I’d swear this was written by two authors. Emily relates events with her usual keen observations and dry wit. Amity is immature and impetuous, and it’s difficult to discern how reliable a narrator she is.
The settings take you from the C’ote D’Azur, to India and Egypt through Amity’s memories. I especially loved the characters’ visit to the prison of “The Man in the Iron Mask”. It added another interesting bit of history to a story that was already chock full of historical details.
There was only one thing that prevented this from being a perfect read for me. Much to my disappointment Emily’s husband and sleuthing partner, Colin really took a back seat this time. They are usually such an intrepid duo and compliment each other perfectly, but in this story Emily is on her own investigating much of the time.
Like her other books, with The Adventuress, Tasha Alexander entertains her readers with her signature mix of fascinating characters, well researched historical detail, dry sense of humor, and intriguing mystery. Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you can jump right into this without getting lost.
Sue, the YA Author said:
Another solid review! I love reading your posts, Kim. I’ve been playing with a format for my posts- a message from a reader to a writer (over on my authors site, not on WordPress) and was wondering if you might do a guest post? I’d love to share your experience as a reviewer and reader. Do you think you’d be interested?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sue! That means so much coming from you! And wow! You really want me to do a guest post?! I am truly honored! I’d love to! The rest of Oct. is a little crazy for me, but I could do one anytime in Nov. Do you want to send me some more specifics as to what you’re looking for? You can reach me at:
kimbarker 50@yahoo.com
I’m so excited! 🙂
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Sue, the YA Author said:
Perfect! November works for me and yes, I’ll email you some questions. I’m so excited! Thank you!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! Did I mention how honored I am?
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Sue, the YA Author said:
It’s me that’s honored! It’ll be so wonderful to help readers know what a wonderful, active reviewer thinks! Plus you’re a writer. How cool is that (now don’t down play it- you are! There’s a story waiting to be finished)
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sue! I’ve hit a dry patch with my writing though. Hopefully someday my muse will come back.
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Sue, the YA Author said:
It will! I’ll bet you’ll read something and a jolt of inspiration will strike. The stories in there-hopefully you’ll find a way to express it!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sue. Fingers crossed!
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Sue, the YA Author said:
Think you’ll try nano this year?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve been mulling it over Sue. Even if I don’t hit the big goal, maybe it will kick-start my writing again. How about you?
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Sue, the YA Author said:
I think that’s a great idea! Even if you only reach part of your goal, you’re further along. And it can definitely kick start your writing! I’m on the fence. Got a book started and fully outlined. I’m letting it percolate. If I do nano, I’ll let you know my user name and we can buddy up’
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That sounds great Sue! Thanks!😊
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Jay said:
Glad you enjoyed it. Have you read the whole series?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have Jay, and it’s one of my favorites. They’re just fun, light reads.😊
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vinnieh said:
A period mystery, sounds very enthralling Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s a great series especially if you’re looking for something light, which sounds weird when there’s also murder involved.
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vinnieh said:
I think I know exactly what you are talking about.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
It sounds like an interesting book, but sadly these kinds of books aren’t really my cup of tea. But shall I know someone who does I will surely send them along : )
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I didn’t think it would be Jonathan, so for a change I didn’t pester you with a recommendation. This is a little off topic, but do you read Rick Riordan? I’m almost finished with his newest book “Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard” and all I kept thinking while reading was how much you’d enjoy this. I’m probably going to review it Saturday or Sunday.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
No, you know what I haven’t. I always pass it and have been meaning to pick it up but haven’t yet. How are you liking it so far? I can’t wait for your review?
Ps you know me so well : )
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Jonathan! You NEED to read this ASAP!!!!! (Yes I’m jumping up and down!) I KNOW you’ll LOVE Rick Riordan. Magnus is the first in this new series centered around Norse Mythology, but it actually has ties to Riordan’s Percy Jackson series which was centered around Greek mythology. Anyway, they’re exciting and funny, and to try to convince you I’m going to throw out a few chapter titles to tempt you:
Chapter 1. Good Morning! You’re Going to Die
Chapter 6. Make Way For Ducklings , or They Will Smack You Upside the Head
Chapter 42. We Have a Pre-decapitation Party, with Egg Rolls
Have I convinced you? Now, I’m virtually taking you by the shoulders and shaking you!!!!! Okay. I’m calming down now. Seriously though, I have a feeling if you try him Rick Riordan will become one of your favorite authors along with Rowling, Mull, etc. I’m going to try to post a more coherent review this weekend. 😊🙋🏻
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HusbandAndHusband said:
OMG! Those titles are outrageous. I love them!!! Okay okay okay. You talked me into it. Next trip to the barns and noble I will have to pick it up. I haven’t read the entire Percy Jackson series. Is that ok?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Woo Hoo! I promise, you won’t be sorry! These are brand new characters so you need not have read the Percy series, although I think you’ll want to. The main character Magnus is related to one of the MCs of the Percy series, but it doesn’t effect the story at all.😊😊😊😊🙋🏻🙋🏻🙋🏻
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HusbandAndHusband said:
I love when author’s connect projects like this. That’s the kind of author I want to be. : )
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Honestly? I think you’re well on your way Jonathan. I’m really looking forward to your next Elijah Dart and The Blackwell Family Secrets books. And I saw “Guns in the Hands of Artists” on Goodreads that really has me excited!
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HusbandAndHusband said:
Aw you just brightened my day! This actual my break from editing Blackwell 2. I have to jump back in before I pick Aaron up at 6!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!😊
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