Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen (Molly Murphy #2)

 

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Book
• ISBN-13: 978-0312989682 

Molly Murphy can't seem to fit in anywhere. Not with the new immigrants pouring in from the Old World and certainly not with the society folks she envies from afar. After bungling a job as a lady's companion, Molly decides to become an assistant to the notorious private investigator, Paddy Riley. Unfortunately, Paddy's possible underworld dealing have left him deader than a doornail and Molly in possession of his detective agency. 

Using the tricks of the trade she learned from her employer, Molly sets out to find the wily killer responsible for the death of Riley. Unsure whether the culprit is connected to the crooked police force or a shady client, Molly keeps her sleuthing from Daniel Sullivan, the handsome policeman who has stolen her heart. Using only her wits and her newfound talents to ferret out the truth, Molly confronts her darkest fears in search of a murderer intent on stopping her investigation ... by seeing her dead. 

This book started out a little slower for me then the first one did but it did pick up. I was sorry to see Paddy killed as I liked the interaction between Molly and Paddy. Molly meets some new colorful friends in this book and I will be anxious to see how this progresses in future books. I was hoping for Molly and Daniel to get a little closer in this book but there is someone standing in the way, we shall see what happens in the later books. Lots of things to look forward to.  As for Molly and her investigating, poor Molly seems to get put in some not so good spots but her persistence pays off, but not without some bumps in the road. I give this book 4 stars.

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208959 

 In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael's shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby's father's house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court's decision about the house looms and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael's past are unveiled, Libby's loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined. Taken from the back of the book

I am a historical fiction fan and this book did not disappoint.  I could not put this book down once I started it. I can see where Libby had a tough time of deciding where her loyalties are - with her father or Michael.  I think Elizabeth did a great job of telling this story. At the beginning of the book I really did not like Michael since he was taking Libby's home from her but by the end I was as in love with him as Libby. If you want to read a book that will keep you guessing and so intrigued you don't want to put it down then this is the book for you.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle (Coffeehouse Mystery #1)

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Berkley
• ISBN-13: 978-0425192139 

With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above The Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clair is thrilled to return to work.  Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere.  Police arrive on the scene to investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Case closed. But Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, there are a few things she just can't get out of her mind... Why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn't an accident, is Clare in danger? And... are all detectives this handsome? - Taken from the back of the book.

Even though I am not a coffee drinker I enjoyed this mystery. I liked how Clare gave us some history on coffee and when she would make a drink she would tell how it is made. I just thought that part was interesting. The mystery started from day one but you only had one person you suspected but in the end you will get quite the surprise as Clare and Mattaeo (Matt) work together to solve they mystery behind Annabelle death. I liked how Clare and Matt acted with each other and even though Clare kind of has the "hots" for Quinn I would like to see Clare give Matt another chance. I guess I will have to continue the series to see how her love life plays out. All in a a good read. 4 stars.

Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen (Molly Murphy #1)

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books 
• ISBN-13: 978-0312984977 

Molly Murphy always knew she'd end up in trouble, just as her monter predicted. So, when she commits murder in self-defense, she flees her cherished Ireland, and her indentity, for the anonymous shores of Ameria. When she arrives in New York and sees the welcoming promise of freedom in the Statue of Libery, Molly begins to breathe easier. But when a man is murdered on Ellis Island, a man Molly was seen arguing with, she becomes a prime suspect in the crime. 


Using her Irish charm and sharp wit, Molly escapes Ellis Island and sets out to find the wily killer on her own. Pounding the notorious streets of Hell's Kitchen and the Lower East Side, Molly makes her desperate mission to clear her name before her deadly past come back to haunt her new future. Taken from the back of the book. 

I have read Rhys' Royal Spyness series which I enjoyed and thought I would give this series a chance too. I fell in love with this series from page one. I will be continuing on with this series. Molly started out in a bad situation and then ended up helping a family by seeing the children to America to live with their father and then unfortunately Molly ends up in another bad situation.

Rhys gives you a few clues to try and guess who the murder was but you are really unable to figure it out until the end of the book. I am anxious to see how the relationship between Molly and Daniel progresses and how Michael plays into all of this. I also want to see what happens to the children Molly helped get to America. Rhys does a good job of leaving you wanting more. 5 Stars for me

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 14, 2012)

ISBN-13: 978-1595544889

Back in her beloved Virginia, Shannon Adair loved nursing injured soldiers back to health. But in Grand Coeur, Idaho-the rough-and-tumble place where her father has been called to lead the church-she's not sure where she fits in. Then a criticaly ill woman arrives, and Shannon knows her place at last; to car for this dear woman and ease her pain.

Matthew Dubois is the fastest and most reliable stagecoach driver on Wells Fargo's payroll. But his widowed sister is dying and he's about to inherit his young nephew. So he takes a job a the Wells Fargo express office in Grand Coeur until he can find the one thing he needs to get back to driving; a wife to care for the boy.

What neither of them knows is that God is at work behind the scenes-and is lovingly bringing them together to discover the true desires of their hearts.



I enjoyed reading this book. I love the time period in which it was set. I also enjoyed how Robin put historical facts into her story. I think Shannon found her meaning as to why she was in Idaho with her father when she started taking care of an ill woman. Little did she know she would find her love as well. Then there was Matthew, he moved to a new town thinking he needed to help his dying sister and her son. Fate brought these two people to this town and faith and love brought them together. I give this book 4 stars. I look forward to reading more of Robin’s books. I received this book from Booksneeze free of charge for an honest review.