Category: Literary Criticism

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Royal Affair (Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery #2) by Allison Montclair

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: A Royal Affair (Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery #2) by Allison Montclair

After reading the first book in this new historical mystery series last year at about this same time, I was eager to read the next installment and see how well the next mystery satisfied.

I remembered really enjoying the relationship between the two main characters, Iris and Gwen. I thought they were funny and paired well together so I was eager to see how that translated in this latest mystery.

The other thing that I thought sounded so much fun was this book was that this time the mystery was to include members of the royal family. Continue reading “Review: A Royal Affair (Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery #2) by Allison Montclair” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Twelve Clues of Christmas (Royal Spyness #6) by Rhys Bowen

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Twelve Clues of Christmas (Royal Spyness #6) by Rhys Bowen

Over the last year or so, I have been making a big effort to go back and catch up on some long running historical mystery series that I have loved but haven’t read all the books.

The Royal Spyness books are at the top of that list. I read a few of the later books and then went back and read a few of the first books in the series but then I kind of stalled on the series and moved on to something else.

I meant to pick this one up at Christmas time as this one is obviously set around the holidays, but I didn’t and then I just forgot about it. I needed a pallet cleansing book lately though and I thought this was the ticket to clearing my head after some heavy reading. Continue reading “Review: The Twelve Clues of Christmas (Royal Spyness #6) by Rhys Bowen” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper

Let’s just start by pointing out the obvious here—-this cover is gorgeous! And then I read the summary and couldn’t wait to dive in! A cursed gemstone set in WWI, sign me up is exactly what I said! Ok if I am being honest, I stopped reading the summary after ‘cursed opal’ because I was already sold on this book!

I haven’t read anything else by Tea Cooper but I know that she has written a ton of books, many of which sound interesting and fun so I felt confident giving this one a shot.

Especially given that this book promised romance, mystery, and intrigue. All the things I love in historical fiction. Not to mention I couldn’t stop staring at the cover of this book! Continue reading “Review: The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Riviera Gold (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #16) by Laurie R. King

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: Riviera Gold (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #16) by Laurie R. King

I absolutely adore the Russell and Holmes books! Sadly I have only read a couple of them but this is a series that I knew I would love the second I cracked open the first book a few years ago.

But as you can see this is a very long standing series and while I only read a couple of the books in the series, it’s a series that I know I would pick up again when I needed something guaranteed to be enjoyable.

When I was approached to read this book I debated about passing, simply because I knew there were a number of books I would need to read to get caught up on the series, but I also really loved the sound of this mystery and I ultimately caved and couldn’t wait to get reacquainted with some of my favorite characters. Continue reading “Review: Riviera Gold (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #16) by Laurie R. King” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The House of Whispers by Laura Purcell

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: The House of Whispers by Laura Purcell

Laura Purcell is an auto buy author for me. I fell in love with The Silent Companions and after that she secured herself ‘auto buy’ status from me! I love how deliciously gothic and creepy her books are and this one was on my radar months ago!

I love the Gothic troupe of an old crumbling house and a crazy lady in the attic, and this book totally sounded like it would meet all of my expectations. Purcell has a wonderful way of sending chills up readers spines without even trying! To say that I was excited for this one is an understatement!

In the UK this one is also called Bone China and I was kind of sad to see that the US publisher changed the name to The House of Whispers, but in the end I think either title worked well for this book. At any rate, I couldn’t wait to start this one! Continue reading “Review: The House of Whispers by Laura Purcell” →