Book Review: The Reversible Mask by Loretta Goldberg

I have to say straight out: Loretta Goldberg’s The Reversible Mask is one of the best-written books I’ve read for a very long time. 

It’s billed as a historical mystery but it’s much more than that, the journey of a soul in troubled times. Edward Latham is a Catholic at the court of Queen Elizabeth I but, unable to reconcile his beliefs with his service at court, he flees to Scotland to offer his service to (Catholic) Queen Mary. But Scotland is as unstable as England is unsafe and it’s only the beginning of Edward’s adventures. 

As he careers around Europe in the service of various Catholic powers we learn about his life and his loves, his good side and his bad. The portrayal of the battles between his heart and his head, his faith versus his inherent allegiance to his country, all make for a sensitive and, in the end, compelling portrayal. 

I say “in the end” because this book isn’t without its weaknesses and the middle section seemed to drag for me, to the extent that I almost gave up on the book. It was a section where Edward is in Constantinople pursuing information on the Ottoman Empire’s trade policies, and while this isn’t quite as dull as it sounds it’s certainly a section where there’s relatively little action. The main part of it is Edward’s romantic adventure with the man who seems the love of his life, but the section is too long a lull in what’s otherwise an action story. (There is an scene where Edward and his servant disguise themselves as a camel, but that was all the action, and I found it more than a little unbelievable).

I feel a bit mean criticising the book in this way, especially given that Goldberg’s writing is so deliciously inventive and luxuriant, but the best books marry plot, pace and character in the perfect balance and for me this book didn’t quite deliver in this respect. It’s definitely one I’d recommend, though. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Madeglobal Publishing for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. 

Book Review: Churches and Churchyards of England and Wales by Richard Hayman

 Churches are such a fixture of the English and Welsh countryside that I barely pay them much attention, though if I find myself in a town or village with half an hour to spare I usually take a wee wander around a churchyard. In truth, I really haven’t had much of an understanding of how and when these buildings developed, and the social and cultural contexts within which they are built. 

Richard Hayman’s Churches and Churchyards of England and Wales has changed that. The book is split into sections — on the churchyard, the exterior, the interior and so on —  and for each takes the reader from the earliest churches to more modern times, pointing out different styles, different features to look out for and describing the background to the evolution of the churches as we see them today.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a well-illustrated treasury of knowledge, slotting a lot of new information into the framework of the little I did know about the subject. There was a lot to take in and it’s something I’ll definitely go back to, dipping in and out of it as a source of information. It’s well-laid out, easy to read and has a short but useful section at the back which points the reader towards some of the best places to see some of the features illustrated in the book.  

All in all, strongly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in church history. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Shire Publications for an advance copy in return for an honest review. 

Book review: The Time For Murder is Meow by T. C. LoTempio

TC LoTempio’s The Time For Murder is Meow belongs firmly (or should that be furmly?) in what I’m beginning to recognise as a popular subgenre in crime — the cosy small-town murder mystery with cats. Who knew something like that would take off? But it has — and yes, though I think you can have too much of a good thing, I read it and will continue to do so. 

The Time For Murder is Meow is the first in a series in which actress Shell McMillan takes over her aunt’s pet shop after losing her role in a major TV series. Arriving in small-town New England, Shell finds herself at the centre of a lot of small-town small-mindedness, and it all ends in murder. 

I enjoyed this book, but only up to a point. It galloped along at a cracking pace (possibly too quickly to be realistic, but I don’t imagine that really matters). I did have some problems with it. I found the whole premise of the plot, which was based around the local museum’s decision not to display Shell’s aunt’s collection of theatre and cinema posters, very slender, and when further secrets were dug up they didn’t really provide a convincing motive for murder either. 

When I think about that I wonder if it’s because the characters didn’t quite convince me. Other than Shell and her partner-in-crime (and former costar) Gary, they really weren’t very well developed and the potential bad guys tended to merge into one another. The effect of that was that I didn’t really engage with much of the plot and the whole murder side of it felt like much ado about nothing. And, dare I say it, the cats weren’t particularly appealing characters either. (Sorry!) 

I did find Shell’s attraction to (and flirtation with) the handsome detective Josh to be a little different and, the local colour was greatly entertaining. The problem, I think, is that I found this subgenre has been so much better done by others (specifically Lilian Jackson Braun).

Nevertheless it was a pacy and an entertaining read, and anyone who enjoyed Braun’s The Cat Who… series will probably enjoy this one, too. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Midnight Ink for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. 

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna: Review

I love a good mystery, especially a good murder mystery. I love a good historical novel. And I love a good romance. Clara McKenna’s Murder at Morrington Hall promises all three. It’s 1905 and American heiress Stella accompanies her father to attend a wedding in the south of England only to discover that she’s the intended bride, traded along with her wealth and a prizewinning racecourse for a title. But Stella, being as spirited as the horses, isn’t having any of it — even though Viscount Lyndhurst, her intended, brings a flutter to her heart. And then there’s a murder. 

There’s very little original in fiction, I suppose, which means we judge a book on its execution, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a light-hearted romp through a country house setting, perhaps a little light on the characterisation but great fun to read. It was engaging without being riveting and the characters were likeable. There are humorous touches and a couple of points where I laughed out loud. 

The book is the first in a series, which is intriguing because unless something significant happens the romance is effectively concluded (no spoilers but, look, you know whats going to happen). Ms McKenna may surprise me, in future books, though, and actually I’m pretty certain the pairing of Stella and Lyndy is strong enough to stand the test of a happy marriage if that’s what she has planned for them. 

I’m looking forward to reading more in this fun, light-hearted series and finding out what high jinks this entertain gin couple get up to in stuffed-shirted Edwardian England. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.