Several Plot Lines

Death at the Crystal Palace by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great addition to the series. Once again Kat solves the mystery before any others. Seems her job as cook gives her a view denied others. We learn more about the cast of characters as the follow several different plot lines.

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Moving Forward

Murder in the East End by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not all is has it seems in the latest Kat Holloway Mystery. Children are missing and a new character arrives to bedevil both Kat and Daniel. The plot moves smoothly as Kat and Daniel work together but stay apart. On the plus side their relations also moves forward as we learn more about Daniel's past. Great addition.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #243 - Ocean Light by Nalini Singh, Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley

Ocean Light by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been slow to get into this series but kept at it as I loved original Psy-Changeling and all of its characters. Now there are a whole new set of humans and a unique set of changelings. While some of the characters from the first series make appearances (I loved it when they showed up) this time it is the water changelings and humans who are featured. In this second book we get to see Bowen Knight again and it is a bit of a surprise as he was shot and feared dead in the last book. He has to work very hard to get Kaia Luna's, a water changelings) trust. Along the way he needed to have help before it kills him in fixing the mesh preventing the Psy from accessing his brain. Betrayal on both sides keep the tension high as Bowen and Kaia work to stop a war between water based changelings and humans from breaking out. This is another interesting well plotted story that solves one problem but leaves another that needs to be solved.

Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved book one, Scandal Below Stairs. Book two is a step above. Much of the back story and character development has already been done and the plot flows much smoother. This is a great mystery that kept me guessing. Daniel and Kat are more comfortable with each other and their interaction is more interesting this time. I loved the new characters and how they fit into the series. Ashley does a very good job of writing historical mysteries and I do not plan to miss a one.

I received free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 174 - Black Star Renegades by Michael Moreci, A Soupçon of Poison by Jennifer Ashley

Black Star Renegades by Michael Moreci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cade has always been a shadow behind his bother. Now he has to be something else. He has the ultimate weapon but after using it once he does not want to use it again. Cade and friends are in a fight to the death and the enemy seems to be winning. This has danger, betrayal, new friends, old friends and scenes full of tension. As a group they find a plan and go on the offensive. There is a conclusion to the story but while one thing has been accomplished there is much more that needs to be done. Book one in a new series Black Star Renegades has all the makings of a fun new space opera series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

A Soupçon of Poison by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this after reading the first book in the Kat Holloway Mysteries. I wish I had read this first as there were hints about Kat and Daniel's relationship in Death Below Stairs, the first book in the series. I would have enjoyed that book more if I had had the background laid in this novella. I do love Kat and the mystery about Daniel's background begins in this novella. The mystery is interesting and has quite a few twists and turns. Kat is very strong and Daniel is interesting. A good introduction to the new series.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 172 - Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs, Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley

Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charles and Anna are two of my favorite characters. The story of how they met is on my favorites shelf and a novella I read when I want a comfort book. When I received Burn Bright from Netgalley I waited one week before I read it and then I read it in one sitting. I loved the story line and how the two had to face some very hard decisions while in charge of the pack. No spoilers as the book does not come out until March (my bad that I could not wait to read). Just a recommendation that you pick this one up when it comes out if you are a fan of the series and that if you have never read the series that you start now so you will be ready when Burn Bright comes out.


Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a prequel novella that features the characters in Death Below Stairs and I recommend you read it first. I did not. As a result I found the hints to the backstory frustrating. They did not tell me all I wanted to know. Other than that I loved the book and the characters. Kat Holloway is a gem. She is strong and has managed to support herself in spite of her past. Daniel McAdam is a bit of a mystery. How and what he is changes throughout the story. The mystery was two fold and well developed. The characters are interesting and the look into the past feels very authentic. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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A Disappearance in Drury Lane (A Captain Lacey Regency Mystery #8) by Ashley Gardner

Historical Mystery

What Amazon says (Goodreads did not have a complete tease for the book):

"Winter 1818
As Captain Gabriel Lacey prepares to leave for his upcoming wedding, he's interrupted by his former neighbor, Marianne Simmons, concerned about an actress friend of hers who's gone missing. Lacey agrees to help look for the actress, little realizing that the search will bring him up against dangerous men who think nothing of abduction and blackmail, or indeed of sending incendiary devices to the innocent.
Lacey's compassion tells him to help the actress who is in true danger, but his personal life is changing, and his time for investigation is frequently and frustratingly interrupted. He is also commanded to assist Bow Street in bringing down James Denis, a criminal with whom Lacey now has complicated ties, or risk hanging with him.
The search for the actress takes Lacey from the assembly rooms of the upper classes to behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, where he finds darkness in all corners. Lacey's life and honor are constantly challenged as his circumstances change, and he realizes he can follow no code but his own."

I have followed Captain Lacey since Ashley Gardner (pen name for Jennifer Ashley) received the rights back and published the first book on the web as ebooks.  She has since added both full-length novels and short stories to the series.  A Disappearance in Drury Lane is the latest in the series.  I have been recommending the series since it first came out as ebooks.  I am still a big fan.

All of the main characters are back. Marianne Simmons, Lacey’s old neighbor asked for help just as Lacey is getting ready to leave for his wedding to Donata, Lady Breckenridge.  Lucius Grenville is back as is Bartholomew, Lacey’s valet.  Gabriells, Lacey’s daughter, is back for a visit and to attend his wedding.  Of course no book is complete without Dennis, the sometimes villain.  The center of the story is Abigail Collins, but at first we only know her name as she is the one missing.

The plot takes some really unexpected twists and turns.  While it seems a very simple case, find the missing woman, it turns out there is more to it than expected. Lacey travels outside of London only return when he has been accused of murder.  People are trying to kill him and they even threaten Donota.  That really spells their doom.  

Lacey does not miss his wedding but he is beaten before he leaves London.   The danger does not diminish as the story unfolds.  I loved the plot and the way one clue lead to another.  The picture painted of life in the theater felt very real. 

Each of the characters plays an important part in the story adding to their development.  That added to my investment in each and my enjoyment of the story.  I particularly loved seeing how Captain Lacey changed from the early books.  While he still suffers from depression the bouts are much fewer and he is a much happier person.. 

A Disappearance in Drury Lane is a great addition to the Captain Lacey series.  If can be read as a stand-alone but get the entire series.  You will not be sorry. The first book is only .99 and the rest are 2.99 or less.  You get a lot of book for your money.

JA/AG Publishing released A Disappearance in Drury Lane by Ashley Gardner in 2012.

To read my reviews on previous books in the series do a search on Captain Lacey.

Book Beginnings on Friday September 20, 2013 - A Disappearance in Drury Lane by Ashley Gardner

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

My Book Beginning this week is from A Disappearance in Drury Lane ( a Captain Lacey Regency Mystery) by Ashley Gardner.  Today is the release date so it is hot off of the eBook press.  I pre-ordered the book and got the email telling me it had been sent to my Kindle this morning.  We are all getting the book beginnig on the same day.  For those of you who do not know Ashley Gardner is a pen name Jennifer Ashley.  

A Disappearance in Drury Lane 

Chapter One

"Late December 1817

Marianne Simmons came to me on a cold December day when I was packing away my old life in order to begin my new."

The Captain Lacey Regency Mystery series is one that started in print and was discontinued by the publisher.  When Jennifer Ashley got the rights back she published them in eBook form along with a book she had written before the series was canceled.  They sold so well that she has written additional books (there are eight in all) in the series.  A Disappearance in Drury Lane is the latest.  The Hanover Square Affair (Book One) is .99 at Amazon.  If you like Historical Mysteries give it a try.  The prices for all the books in the series range for .99 to 2.99.  I love the series and hope some of you give it a try.

 

What Else I Read in June of 2012

 What Else I Read In is a monthly post featuring books I read during the month but did not write a full review on.  If you have a similar post leave a comment and a link and I will visit to see what else you read.  Also on your post leave a link back to my post so others can also share.  

Last month I listened to 1632 by Eric Flint.  I had read the book when it first came out and had started the series but two book in I quit always meaning to pick it back up.  This month I did just that.  So far I finished the following books:

1634 - The Baltic War
1634 - The Bavarian Crisis
1634 - The Galileo Affair  
1634 - The Ram Rebellion
1635 - The Cannon Law
Ring of Fire I
Ring of Fire II

There are a few other book that I have read and not review.

Romance:  

The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley - This on has been on my TBR shelf for quite a while.  It is the last book in the series.  It was not as good as my favorite in the series (The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie) but it was a good end to the series.

Questionably Human by Miss Kitty Roads - This is a SFR and was free on Amazon.  A lot of it was very predictable but fun to read. 
Beneath the Starry Sky  by Jessica E. Subject - Another free book from the author and Amazon.  This was a novella in the "One Night Stand" series.  Like the previous book it was predictable but fun to read. 

Teaser Tuesday January 31, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: 

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My Teaser today is from Penelope & Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley.  This is one of the free books I loaded on my new 6" E Ink Kindle.  The book was published in 2006 and is out of print

"Damien had never believed in magic, but his people did."

"Alexander, a man Damien's own age with cold blue eyes in a dark, handsome face, had calmly and ruthlessly blocked every one of Damien's attempts to step into his father's shoes."
 

By His Majesty’s Grace by Jennifer Blake

Historical Romance

By His Majesty’s Grace is set in the time of Henry VII, a turbulent time in English history.  Henry has finally secured the English throne but he still sees plots and treason around every corner.  Jennifer Blake has researched the history of this time and uses it to construct a compelling story.  Henry’s paranoia works as the central theme.

 

Isabel Milton and her two sisters have come up with a great way to discourage suitors.  Isabel, the oldest, has been betrothed four times and each of her prospective grooms has died before the wedding.  The sisters have spread the rumor that they have to marry for love or the groom will die.  It has worked well until now when she is given to Randall Braesford as a reward for his loyalty to the King.   Isabel is a noble woman.  Randall is the bastard son of a noble man and a long time friend of Henry VII.  Being the King’s friend does not always keep you safe.  Both Randall and Isabel have enemies who will use Henry’s paranoia to put both at risk. 

By His Majesty’s Grace is the first book in a three book series. By Grace Possessed has been released and Seduced by Grace will be out September 20, 2011.

Mira published By His Majesty’s Grace by Jennifer Blake in 2011.

I received a free copy of By His Majesty’s Grace from Mira Publishing.

The Necklace Affair and A Body in Berkley Square by Ashley Gardner

Historical Mystery

I purchased The Necklace Affair when it came out in June and have been saving it until A Body in Berkley Square came out so I could read two Captain Lacey books in a row.  Now I have finished both and have to wait for another month for my next fix.

This is a character driven series and it just keeps getting better.  Each book has a mystery that gives additional clues to the makeup of the major characters.  In addition the mystery in each book has clues that lead both Captain Lacey and the reader on a merry chase.  I keep recommending this series because I really love it.  If you are a historical mystery fan the series is a must read. 

Jennifer Ashley using the pen name of Ashley Gardner writes the Captain Lacey books.  The series went out of print and the rights reverted to the author.  She is self-publishing the series and all of the titles are being re-released as ebooks.  In the future there will also be new books in the series released.  Another great thing about the series is the price.  The first book in the series is .99 and all the others are 1.99.  It does make me wonder.  If she can make money at these prices why are so many ebooks prices the same as hard copies?

To learn more about the Captain Lacey books go to http://www.gardnermysteries.com/.

I read both books on my Nook.

There is a great tease for A Covent Garden Mystery at the end of A Body in Berkley Square.  Reading it made me long for August when A Covent Garden Mystery will be released.  

The Hanover Square Affair, A Captain Lacey Regency Mystery – Book 1 by Ashley Gardner

Mystery

I have discovered a great new to me Regency mystery series.  The Hanover Square Affair is the first book in the series and is a .99 feature available for the Barnes and Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle.  This is a limited time offer so if you like mysteries buy it now.

Captain Lacey is a long time Army cavalry officer who is back in London on half-pay.  He has lost his purpose in life, has little money, a bad leg, and suffers from a deep melancholy.  He walks that boundary between the upper and lower classes in England.  He is a gentleman who has no money but does have acquaintances (he says he has no friends) in both classes.  When he intervenes in an altercation between a cavalry unit and a man who says that his daughter was kidnapped and taken to the home of a prominent man his life takes a turn in a new and dangerous direction.

The plot in The Hanover Square Affair is good; the pacing is great, the characters are interesting and the background is fascinating.  In addition to a good mystery The Hanover Square Affair introduces a large number of secondary characters.  While they are secondary in The Hanover Square Affair they look like they could be important in future books.   All in all this is a great start to a mystery series.  

Ashley Gardner is an established and accomplished author who knows how to tell just enough to keep you reading while still leaving you wanting to find out more.  According to her web site each month another of the Captain Lacey books will be released as an ebook.  All of the other books that have been released as ebooks are priced at 1.99.  I have already purchased the second book, A Regimental Murder.  It is a big plus that I do not have to wait for the next book.

Ashley Gardner is a pen name for Jennifer Ashley.  I found two copyright dates for The Hanover Square Affair, one for 2003 and the second for 2011.  There is no publisher listed for the ebook edition of The Hanover Square Affair.