2 Stars

The Evans women own the funeral parlor in town and have been running it for many generations. Ducey Evans spent all her eighty years in the same parlor and keeps it going with her daughter Lenore and granddaughter Grace. Grace has a teenage daughter Luna who will one day join the business. 

After the Godawful Mess fifteen years ago, the Evans women are thankful there’s no other drama in the town. However, things change when a body rises from the dead right in the parlor. Deputy Roger brings more news and a body mangled and half-eaten. As more strange events occur, the Evans women have to face the past and confront the Strigoi (dead-un-dead creepies) to take them down yet again. Will they be too late this time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters (Lenore, Luna, Deputy Roger, etc.). 

Alright! I’m curious to know if the cover designer got to read the book or what to work with a synopsis/ theme given to them. The cover does not match the book’s tone. It has lighthearted drama vibes. I expected something similar with a touch of seriousness. However, there is almost nothing humorous in the book. I like dark humor, but I didn’t find anything funny here. 

The beginning is slow, which is okay since it establishes the storyline, characters, and their relationships. However, the middle is full of filler. We get the same stuff in slightly altered versions in different POVs. Does it help connect with the characters? Sadly, no. The characters still remain 2D and surface-level (even stereotypical). 

The premise is terrific. But the execution is the opposite. Nothing really happens until the last 20% or so. Even then, it doesn’t pack a punch. Something happens, something else happens, some death, and blah blah… 

When the book goes on and on about how the Evans women are the only ones to tackle the menace and should keep the town safe, they do nothing until the very end. It’s all about ‘I don’t want to reveal this secret, so what if people are dying?’ If the family had a proper conversation when they should, the book would have been 100 pages. That would have prevented the need for a sequel (why is this even a series?). 

Multiple POVs are useful to provide insight into different characters. However, here, we get the same stuff we already know. In attempting to keep the Godawful Mess a secret for as long as possible, the POVs and character development were compromised. If I had read that term one more term, I’d have deleted the book from my reader. Argh!! 

The book has quite a bit of gore. I wasn’t bothered, but it can affect some readers. I’m guessing it would be around 5+ on the scale of 10 (don’t take my word for it). Did I find it scary or creepy? Nope. It was a flat graph except for the spiking annoyance at the characters. 

Though Luna was a stereotypical teen, she at least had a few expressions and emotions more than the adults. Of course, making bad decisions seems to be a family trait, so… *shrug* 

To summarize, Bless Your Heart is mostly a hook to get readers interested in the series and contains more filler than an actual story. It did not work for me, so please check other reviews before you decide. Many loved it and found it humorous. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St.Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

*** 

P.S.:

The dog lives.

d 3.5 Stars

Maple Bishop is stunned to discover that her doctor husband, Bill, left her almost penniless after his death. WWII has taken a lot from her, and she could lose even her home if she didn’t find a way to earn money. 

Creating miniature houses (dollhouses) has been her passion (obsession) for a long time. Maple realizes she could turn it into a source of income. After all, no one wants to hire a woman despite her lawyer degree. Things take another turn when Maple’s first customer is found dead. The police call it suicide, but she cannot ignore the feeling that something is not right. 

As Maple recreates the crime scene, in the nutshell, she decides to investigate the case and find out more. Can Maple succeed? 

The story comes in Maple’s third-person POV. 

This is a debut book and the first in the series (I couldn’t find the series title anywhere) inspired by the real life of Frances Lee Glessner, the woman famous for replicating miniature crime scenes with exact details. 

I googled Frances before starting the book and realized there are many books available about the cases she solved. The book is only inspired by Frances, so Maple’s character stands on her own, has a backstory, and everything. 

The blurb reveals a bit too much. One part of it doesn’t occur until 50%, so editing out the last paragraph to remove these details might be better. 

The book is less than 300 pages and has a decent pace. It starts slowly (not surprising) but gains momentum as we settle into the narrative. There are enough scenes about dollhouse-making for the page count. I don’t need an introduction manual anyway. 

Maple is a complex character. She is socially inept and brisk. She has many unresolved traumas and holds on to the past very tightly. She is also judgmental and not easy to like. Yet, I found that the character arc was decent (if not relatable). She realizes a few things and tries to take corrective steps. So, the way she handles the clues and solves the crime in a way aligns with this arc. (This may not work for everyone as it affects the mystery) 

Apart from the mystery, the book focuses on personal tragedies, trauma, grief, PTSD, domestic abuse, etc. The beginning section, especially reads more like historical fiction. The mystery enters afterward. 

The book has a neatly tied-up ending with a detailed epilogue of sorts. It can be a series (as mentioned in the blurb) or limited as a standalone. 

To summarize, Death in the Details is an interesting read, even if it didn’t wow me. I would be willing to read the next book in the series. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #DeathInTheDetails 

 3.5 Stars (rounding up coz Cailleach gets the respect she deserves) 

Young Brigit may be a crofter’s daughter but loves her life with her parents and her independence. When she is forced to marry Aengus, the God of Summer, to keep a bargain, she flees the village. Brigit has always loved and worshipped Cailleach, the God of Winter. Who else but Cailleach, the god who needs no man, can save Brigit? 

However, Brigit soon realizes her journey is not easy. She will have to push beyond her limits repeatedly to get what she wants – freedom but also the safety of her village. Can Brigit be successful? What will it cost her? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Brigit (more), Cailleach, and Aengus. 

I requested this book for Brigit (the spelling). Of course, I was curious to see where the plot would lead. 

The book has a solid start despite the clear modern influence on the FMC. I quite enjoyed the dynamics and her relationship with her parents. They were wonderful! 

The next was good, too, as Brigit goes on a quest to get what she wants, or rather avoid something she doesn’t want! There’s enough repetition for us to understand that her objection lies with how they didn’t ask for her consent before making a promise on her behalf. 

Cailleach was terrific. And I love that she is not the demonized version of the Winter Goddess but a softer and more sensible version. After all, winter is just as important for the world as summer and monsoon.  

The pacing is on the slower side, even though it feels like not much has happened. This could be due to the repetition. Moreover, the cozy vibes take the edge off the urgency of the situation. 

I love the two wolves! They are the best part of the story. 

Of course, I admire how the old gods are shown in a positive light (Aengus did get some hard times, which seems unfair once you see what happens afterward). It’s a relief from having to read about angry and vengeful pagan gods (one reason why I stay away from all those retellings and YA fantasy). 

I also like the bit of foreshadowing, which connects to a later development. The clue is in the name. While adults were the ones guiding the girl, I didn’t find it odd. They are more experienced. It makes sense that they take the role of mentors. 

What I didn’t like much was how a development negated the premise. I think it could have been better handled. Because if this happened at the beginning, the book wouldn’t have a chance to exist. I understand the need to change power dynamics, which is why I wanted this development to be independent of the core premise (this is how it reads when you don’t want to reveal spoilers). 

There’s no denying the potential of the premise. It just needs better structuring to ensure the elements included stay valid throughout. Still, I appreciate the respect given to the old gods. I also hope the final and published copy has the author’s note. This book needs one. Add it! 

To summarize, The Heart of Winter is a heartwarming story of Brigit and her connection with the Celtic gods. While it is not fantastic, it made me smile many times. 

The title works on multiple levels. Good job, whoever came up with it! 

Thank you, Book Sirens and Flame Tree Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.5 Stars (rounding up for K-2P)

Reese has a PhD at 28 and is the youngest head of Research and Development at Mercer Robotics. She knows what she wants from her career and is happy doing a job she loves rather than competing for promotions. A call from the Big Boss makes her wonder what it could be. However, Reese is annoyed that she has been saddled to babysit the Boss’s son, a billionaire with no idea about engineering or robotics. 

Yet, she cannot ignore the sparks between them. But to make a move would affect her job and her career. The more they get to each other, the more intense the chemistry. Can Reese hold on to the boundaries, or will things spiral into something else? 

The story comes in Reese and Thomas’s first-person POVs. 

I WANT K-2P! Send me that sassy little droid, and I promise to rate all your books 5 stars. Can you imagine a little AI robot that’s so much more human than some humans? That’s K-2P, the adorable cutie robot with all human emotions and more. Blend the personalities of a dog, a cat, and a kid, and you get K-2P. 

Okay… I also need to talk about the book, so here it goes. 

The dual POV shows both their backstories and internal thoughts, which makes the characters more relatable. Getting only Reese’s POV here would have put Thomas in a bad light. Thankfully, we know his feelings even before she does.  

I wanted a lighthearted and fluffy romance, so this book worked well. It does touch upon a few themes like parental abandonment, insecurity, workplace gender bias, etc. However, the overall tone doesn’t get heavy. 

The banter is fun to read. There’s quite a lot of technical stuff, too, but can’t have a STEM book without it. Not an issue since even Thomas has no idea when Reese explains. ;) 

There was some conflict in the last quarter but is resolved quite easily. Not complaining much as it suited my mood. However, I do think the whole episode should have been better structured. I don’t particularly like it when a character does something that doesn’t align with their basic arc. 

A few niggles I wish were better – 

Oh, there are some Star Wars (movies) references as well. Went over my head, but those who know might enjoy it more. 

To summarize, The Love Algorithm is a light and fluffy closed-door romance with the cutest droid ever! It’s a short book and can be read in a sitting or two. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheLoveAlgorithm
 
 

 3.7 Stars

Alaska 

Deadhart is an Alaskan small town. It has a few hundred human population and a Colony of vampyrs, who recently came back to settle down in their home. Soon, a young boy is found dead with his throat ripped. The townsfolk are sure it is someone from the Colony and want all the vampyrs culled. 

Detective and forensic doctor Barbara Atkins, with specialization in vampyr killings, arrives to determine if it is indeed a Colony killing and decide the status of the request for a cull. Soon, she realizes there are secrets and discrepancies everywhere. With help from former police Chief Jenson Tucker, Barbara sets out to find the truth. As another body surfaces, the tension rises. 

What’s going on in Deadhart? Are the new killings related to the death from twenty-five years ago? Is it a vampyr on a bloodlust? Is it a human psychopath taking advantage of the prejudice against the Colony? Can Barbara solve the case before it’s too late? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Barbara, Beau, Jenson Tucker, Jess, Reverend Colleen, and Athelinda. 

The premise gives you more than a clear idea of what the story would be. The vampyrs are a replacement for indigenous people, and the others are well, humans (white). As a mystery, it does have quite a bit to offer. 

The MC is a combination of what we expect and what we don’t. Barbara Atkins is 50-something, single, not entirely fit, and a darn good detective. She also has a tragic backstory, which is almost a must for detectives in thrillers. Still, I do like how it connects to the plot. 

The mystery has a few twists, and the information is revealed in stages. There are some clues, too, which can be red herrings or real clues. I like how this is done. The suspense holds well until the last quarter. 

The pacing is uneven – slow, fast, slow, fast… which dampened my reading experience. This is because of the excessive emphasis and repeated scenes where the townsfolk show their hatred and prejudice for the vampyrs. As a pagan, I happily support books that highlight this. However, it should crowd the plot. 

Additionally, there are a lot of characters to track. I stopped listing them at one point (ran out of space on that sheet). This doesn’t leave room for character development. They are what they are. That’s it. Also, one of those could have been removed or presented from another perspective. However, I quite liked Athelinda’s POV. If only there was more of it! 

Is the book horror? Nope. There is a bit of gore and some creepy moments, but nothing on the horror scale. Of course, it has triggers, which aren’t graphic but can make you uncomfortable. 

I’m not sure why the vampyrs don’t get enough space given their importance in the book. Apart from a vague idea of what they could be, we get very little about them. Instead, we got way too much of what the townsfolk think about them. This got tiring, TBH. Knowing when to tone down is also important for a writer. 

No idea if the book will turn into a series. The last chapter has nothing to do with the plot but is a hook for the next book. If it won’t be coming, then, keeping that chapter would be a bad idea. I know contemporary thrillers tend to have unwanted final twists, but this book doesn’t need it. The book could be a series, but we’ll need more than socio-political hate and bigotry to hold it together. 

To summarize, The Gathering is a worthy mystery with a good setting and some chills. Don’t look for any vampirish stuff, though. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House (Ballantine Books), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheGathering 

 3.7 Stars

Lucy Brown has been in hiding for a decade, thanks to her ex. However, she finally ventures out to meet her best friends and attend a wedding in the small town of Starshine Cove. The trip proved to be a great decision for her and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Rose. 

But then, Lucy is stunned to see a man she impulsively flirted with at the airport and gave a fake name. They seem to have a connection, but Lucy is a long way from healing. With the past threatening to spill, Lucy has to decide what she needs from her life. 

The story comes in Lucy’s first-person POV. 

The book works well as a standalone despite the presence of recurring characters. They are the supporting cast and enhance the plotline. 

This is a heavier book than it appears to be. It deals with psychological domestic abuse and its after-effects on the victims. Lucy has panic attacks, and there’s another character going through a similar phase. The book is not exactly a light read, though it has many sweet and humorous moments. It can be triggering to some readers. 

Now, that’s done, I have to admit that the author writes teenagers very well. Rose is a doll! She is childish but mature, composed but dramatic, stable and reliable, but prone to sulking. In short, she is easy to love and relate to (though I haven’t been a teen for a while). Rose is my favorite character in the book. 

Lucy’s narration takes some time to get used to. She is frantic and rambles, the result of living with a controlling spouse. However, we don’t know this at the beginning, and the first chapter has her monologue, which made my eyes glaze. NGL, I was worried about where it would go. Fortunately, there's a reason for it. We can get used to her thought process. 

Starshive Cove is a beautiful place, and we are once again transported to an almost magical land with kind and helpful neighbors. This book is set in spring, so the flowers have started to bloom! 

Josh is an adorable guy. The adults act like adults and can communicate, so that’s a big plus. Lucy and Rose also have meaningful conversations, which I like. 

I knew there would be a third-act breakup, but it doesn’t happen until around 93%, which is too late, IMO. That leads to an HFN ending, which is okay since this is a series, and we’ll meet the characters again. However, I am disappointed that Lucy’s self-healing journey doesn’t come across clearly. 

When the FMC calls herself a mess for most of the book in feel-good fiction, I have the right to hope she would realize and openly acknowledge that doesn’t define her. Circumstances forcing her to be stronger is not the same as self-healing, which Lucy needs. I don’t want to say more, as they’ll be spoilers. 

The pacing is on the slower side due to the topics handled. Since these are important social aspects and are well-handled (as far as I know), I didn’t mind the slow pace much. 

To summarize, Finding Hope in Starshine Cove is a heartwarming story with likable characters and a lovely setting. It has dogs and kids, too, so yay! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #FindingHopeInStarshineCove 

*** 

Extra: 

I’d like to thank the author for handling the henna scene carefully. I appreciate the inclusion of the question about cultural appropriation. 

It came at a time when I also found out about how Holi is being termed a South Asian (what is that even!) festival. Please read this piece to know more. 

Holi, Yoga, Oman, Carnatic music, etc., are Hindu. Our pagan gods and rituals are the roots of these and will continue to be. There is no such thing as South Asian ethnicity, where several cultures lose their identities to form a single convenient group. 

 3 Stars

1947 India  

Mano Majra is a small village that borders between India and Pakistan. It has an almost equal number of Sikhs and Muslims and one Hindu family. The village seems to be unbothered by the chaos of Partition until the only Hindu, the money lender, is murdered, and Juggut Singh, with a criminal past and a Muslim lover, becomes a suspect. Things take a turn for worse when a train arrives with the dead bodies of the Sikhs. What happens when neighbors turn enemies? What can Juggut Singh do to save the village and himself? 

Well, given the title and the author’s name, the book sets high expectations. Fortunately, I knew better (not that it helped, but still). 

The book is a little less than 200 pages and is divided into three sections without any chapters or section breaks. The scenes jump at random (and somehow even the publishers didn’t see the need to format it when reprinting different editions). 

It can take a while to figure out how the events fit into the timeline. Some happen in parallel, some in the near past, and some are from the immediate future. Now, insert philosophical musings and nature-themed multipage metaphors where they shouldn’t be. Perfect (not)! 

The premise is actually terrific. Imagine a border village that is a character of its own. The main villagers have defined personalities (let’s not forget this is historical fiction). I quite enjoyed the portrayal of Iqbal, the ‘foreign-educated social worker’. I even laughed out loud at the mention of beautiful white ladies and the trysts of handsome Nehru (IYKYK, if you don’t, well, too bad). 

The touches of wit and sarcasm work in many ways, though not always. Blending fiction and social commentary can be a tough task, and this book doesn’t manage it well. I liked The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy a lot more in this aspect. 

However, as a book that is supposed to present the story of the Partition, this one pretty much falls flat. The writing is raw, and there’s no sugar-coating of the brutalities. But none of it moved me as a reader. Not because I already know all of it and much more, but because the execution is ineffective. 

I have to mention the super annoying translations of slang into English. Imagine using an alliteration for something like a pig’s p*nis. Ugh! The constant use of translated cuss words (and phrases) grated on my nerves. Compared to this, ‘something black in the dal’ feels pardonable. 

There’s quite a lot of filmy drama as well. It does help the narrative some, but fizzles out in the last section. 

To summarize, despite the raw portrayal of the Partition, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book for the topic. Go for nonfiction like The Tragic Story of Partition by H.V. Seshadri or Pakistan or the Partition of India by B.R. Ambedkar. I have physical copies of both books and intend to read them soon. 

 3.5 Stars

One Liner: Intriguing
 

Simone accepts the offer to house-sit a gorgeous Victorian mansion in the New Orleans Garden District. Soon, she realizes that the house has seen many horrific events and the ghosts need her help. Simone has to use her ancestral powers to help those in the afterlife find closure. 

However, danger escalates as some of the dead and living target her. Can Simone unearth the secrets and end the evil saturated in the house? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Colin (prologue), Jensen, Simone, Corinne, Rebecca, Joseph, and Gisele, and a third-person POV of the ghosts. 

(Yeah, that’s a lot, but except for Jensen and Simone, others get only a chapter each) 

The book is the third in the series but works as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous two books and could understand the plot without any difficulty. However, I can see that it would work better for readers following the series since there’s a prominent thread that continues from book two. 

Despite so many first-person POVs, we don’t find it confusing due to the chapter titles, which may reveal mild spoilers but are essential. However, I wish only Simone’s POV was in the first-person, and the others were in the limited third-person. That’s because this series belongs to Simone and should prioritize her. (It doesn’t help that we get two different POVs before she makes an entry). 

The snippets with ghosts’ voices (POV) were a great addition and added another layer to the suspense and tension. 

For a paranormal suspense mystery that borders on horror, the setting has to come alive on the pages. The book scores high in this aspect. The ghosts, the sounds, the violence, and everything related to the Ballard House is wonderful. I love the creepy and chilly vibes it gives. 

The pacing is slow, very much so (took me 3 days to read a 280-page book). However, I wasn’t bored at any point. 

Simone starts great. Though I didn’t know her character, I could empathize with her reluctance to use her ‘gifts’ to talk to the dead. However, as the story progressed, I was torn about her actions. Her instincts are spot on, which makes her repeated dismissal of them strange. It seemed more like a way to extend the reveal (there are better ways of doing this without affecting character development). 

Can’t speak for others, but if I were to live alone in a huge mansion with ghosts and suspect more than the other-worldly presence (which needs to be figured out for my safety), I wouldn’t touch a drop of alcohol. Things can get dangerous even otherwise, why add muddle-headedness to the mix? 

The present timeline is set during covid (2020) and has many references to it. It is not a trigger for me, but it can upset some readers (check other TWs). 

The climax and ending felt a little underwhelming despite the seriousness of the situation. I think this is more due to my expectations (I hoped the MC would have an active role throughout). No issues with the reveal or conclusion since everything aligns with the foreshadowing and other details provided. I just wasn’t wowed by it. 

To summarize, Echoes of Ballard House is an intriguing suspense read with a strong gothic touch and a spooky setting. 

My thanks to the author and Coffee and Thorn for the digital ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.5 Stars

Four women wait and watch for their husbands to return from duty. They swear to keep the secret buried forever, no matter what. As the wives of lighthouse keepers, they have much to take care of. 

Mollie is in her father’s place, recovering from certain issues. As the granddaughter of one of these women, she gets a threatening note about buried secrets. However, Mollie’s grandmother (one of the four women) isn’t in a position to share the details due to health concerns. 

However, there’s someone out there intent on revealing it all. What is the secret? How can it affect Mollie and her family after all these years? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Mollie (contemporary track), Beth, Katheleen, Mary, and Ellen, with a couple of short chapters in the first-person POV from the stalker/ blackmailer. 

The book starts with a prologue from the past and moves on to the present timeline to establish the story. Then, we go back and forth with more chapters in the past. Thankfully, there isn’t much repetition, except for the prologue (which also could have been avoided). 

The setting is beautiful, with a dose of darkness to suit the circumstances. However, the lighthouse doesn’t play a central role in the story. It is in the background and a presence that cannot be forgotten. Still, there is no scene in the lighthouse. Moreover, the title should have been The Keepers’ Wives or The Secret of the Lighthouse Keepers’ Wives. The story is about these women and not the lighthouse. 

The lives of the lighthouse keepers’ wives can be hard, and this comes across clearly as we see Kathleen, Ellen, and Mary adjust to the absence of their husbands for weeks at a time and how they also have social responsibilities in the village. 

All characters are flawed, some more than others. They also have redeeming qualities, some more than others. This creates a mixed blend of realistic characters. However, it also makes it hard to root for a single character. Still, I liked Kathleen’s arc more than others. 

Beth’s character is a teenager (17+) in the historical timeline. Her actions and reactions don’t always make her endearing, but readers can see her point to an extent. 

Since this is women’s fiction, the male characters are not as developed as the women. However, not all of them are bad, so that’s a relief. I think I liked Albie (Mollie’s dad) the most. 

My issue with the book comes with the complicated plotline. Even though everything ties up at the end and comes together well, there’s no ignoring the numerous elements to track. This weighs down the plot and the pacing, making it seem longer than a 384-page book. Keeping it simple would have maintained the focus on the core theme(s). 

Moreover, there’s a conflict in the present timeline for Mollie, which pales compared to the past track. I’d have preferred if this wasn’t complex, allowing readers to explore the past secrets and stuff. I couldn’t connect with this track, which meant the ending didn’t work for me. 

Whenever Mollie and Nolan interacted, I couldn't really see her love for him (she talked about it only when she feared he’d want to separate. No such emotion when she wanted a break from him). If the love was in the past or off-page, it didn’t translate to an on-page experience. I saw his love for her, though we get the story from her POV. In such a situation, the couple going in different ways works better. Neither has to compromise and can find partners who accept them for who they are. Forcing them together by making Nolan compromise doesn't feel right.  

To summarize, The Lighthouse Secret would make a good book club read and offer a lot for discussion. It will work well for those who like drama and complex plots in women’s fiction. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheLighthouseSecret 

 3 Stars

When Harry (Harriet White) rebuffs the advances of her superior, she is demoted to the postal department beneath the bank (where she worked in a clerical position). Turns out, she has to respond to the endless letters people have written to Sherlock Holmes (221B Baker Street, where the offices are located). 

Harry sends a standard response to each letter until one grabs her attention. What if she can solve the case or at least try? After all, she is now Holmes’ secretary, managing his correspondence as he enjoys a quiet country life. 

And thus begins Harry’s new journey. But can she solve the case? 

The story comes in Harry’s third-person POV. 

The premise is interesting and immediately got my attention. It’s not surprising that people thought Holmes was real and continued to write him letters, requesting him to take up a case. 

The book is short (220 pages or so) and a fairly fast read. It is a light cozy mystery with abundant touches of family drama and some humor. Still, the book manages to touch upon a few issues like workplace harassment, class differences, privilege, etc. 

Harry is easy to like. She is a friendly person and a little too curious. From the blurb, you can guess that she has a strong spine and is no pushover. She has traces of Enola Holmes, though she is used to a comfortable life with her family. Her relationship with her brothers is cute to read. 

The mystery starts out well but fizzles out despite the promising elements. The execution leaves a lot to be desired. Missing information and patchy resolution will not help a book in this genre. Don’t want to say more, as it’ll be a spoiler. 

We have a love interest who doesn’t appear until around 40%. The chemistry isn’t there yet, but it could get better in the coming books. The situation suits the backstory, so that’s not a complaint. 

To summarize, The Missing Maid is a decent start to a new series, even if it doesn’t set high expectations. It will work well as a palate cleanser after an intense read and can be finished in a single sitting. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheMissingMaid