February Book Round-Up

If a book is marked * I've very kindly received it from Netgalley or directly from the publisher or author. Here's what I've been reading in February:

*Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - Having loved Blood & Sugar I was happy to meet up again with plucky Caro Corsham. Captain Corsham is away on Government business in France and Caro is missing him badly. She meets a new friend Lucia, through her brother and she's bright and engaging. They arrange to meet up and Caro find her dying in the bowers of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and as she dies says to her "he knows". It turns out Lucia was not the lady she made out herself to be and the Constables wash their hands of their search for the murderer pretty quickly.

Caro can't let it go and employs a Thief Taker, Mr Child to help her investigate the case. What follows is a twisty and dangerous chase which puts Caro and Child in danger. The Men's Club close their ranks and The Whores Club seemingly disinterested in helping with any enquiries.

Caro puts herself in danger several times, finds out who she can trust and realises personally things cannot stay the same. I found I was totally engrossed in the story as well as the time and place. The story is so richly drawn and meticulously researched. I absolutely loved it. Go Caro!

*Circus of Wonder by Elizabeth MacNeal - I simply loved this magical book which totally drew me into the story. It's not published until May so I'll share my review in my May round-up (one of my favs so far this year).

*While Paris Slept by Ruth Druart - I'm taking part in the blog tour next week. This is the one you must-read. 

*The Rift by Rachel Lynch - I was very excited to get an early copy of Rachel Lynch's new book with an interesting character Major Helen Scott (I'm hoping this is the first in a new series). I loved it as much as a Detective Kelly Porter read! It's not published until April so I'll share my review in my April round-up.

The Haunting of Henderson Close by Catherine Cavendish - I really enjoyed this short spooky read. In the present day after her divorce, Hannah moves to Edinburgh for a new start. Her daughter is happy in Australia and she feels its her time. The story also slips into the late 1800s and I really enjoyed that atmospheric part of the story.

Hannah, a former teacher, starts working as a tour guide at Henderson Close, an old street which was covered up during the plague. She has to get into character even wearing clothes from that time. She loves her job but often feels there is a presence there with her when she's down on the close.

She makes friends with co-workers Mairead and George who also have had similar experiences to her. It seems they have to solve the murder of Miss Carmichael so her soul can be laid to rest and get the Auld De'il back where he belongs. I liked the time slips into the past which were gripping.  Would recommend.

*The Shadowy Third - Love, Letters and Elizabeth Bowen by Julia Parry - I'm taking part in the blog tour tomorrow so catch my review then!

Update:

I read *Patricia Gibney's fantastic Silent Voices - DI Lottie Parker #9 in December last year. February is publication month so here's my review now. What a gripping and fast paced read! Now we're at book 9 of the series and the cast have almost become like friends. Detective Lottie Parker and the Team are investigating the case of an unexplained death and it seems more complicated than it initially looked. Lottie and Boyd are getting married at the weekend and she hopes they can crack the case before then.

Rachel, a young entrepreneur who is in the process of setting up her own unique skincare line is found dead in her bed after a glitzy business reception at a new local restaurant. Her sister, who finds her is distraught. Lottie and the Team are immediately on the case and find something unusual on the body. As the investigation progresses another young woman, a gifted doctor is found murdered and it seems that the two cases are now connected. Did the women know each other? What is it that the Team are missing?

What does young girl Maddy know that she's not telling anyone and can they find out before something tragic happens to her? I say this every time but I think this is the best one yet. Twisty, gripping and brilliant. I totally loved it and couldn't put it down. 

What have you been reading this month?