Tag: Mystery

Books, Reading

Special Feature and Excerpt: The Murder of Mr Wickham by Claudia Gray

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature and Excerpt: The Murder of Mr Wickham by Claudia Gray

Has there been a more infamous character in Austen literature than George Wickham? Unlikely. When I think of Austen villains he is the first to come to mind! As a huge Austen fan I have often found myself wondering what his back story is? I would have loved to see Austen write his story and really explore his character more but alas that wasn’t in the cards.

Instead, I have to rely on fictionalized stories about Wickham in various other genres. The story of Pride and Prejudice has been remade and reimagined in so many genres ranging from horror to mystery typically casting George Wickham as the villain. When I saw this book come up I was eager as this one focuses on Mr Wickham not necessarily the traditional P & P narrative but rather his actual character. And of course it has a murder twist and I am absolutely here for it!

Today I have a charming excerpt for you guys to check out so be sure to keep reading for that little sneak peak! What I am most excited about though is the supporting characters! Avid Austen readers will recognize names like ‘Tilney’, ‘Knightly’ and of course ‘Darcy’ as part of the supporting cast of this book! I am so excited to check this one out, I think it will please many Austen fans and bring in new readers to discover the excitement of the Austen characters but in a new way. If you love Austen naturally you will find lots to love in this one! Keep reading to check out the excerpt and see if this classic villain can tempt you into reading it!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Mad Girls of New York (Nellie Bly #1) by Maya Rodale

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Mad Girls of New York (Nellie Bly #1) by Maya Rodale

Nellie Bly gained so much fan as a reporter in New York during the Guilded Age when she published her article about insane asylums for women. I know when I first read about her all I could think of was ‘what a badass!’. I have since read some historical fiction books that reference her life and works but I have yet to actually read a book about Nellie Bly—fictionalized or otherwise.

When I saw this one come across my desk I thought to myself ‘Yes finally!’. This tantalizing new book brings Nellie Bly to life as an investigastive reporter and trailblazer in a fictionalized recounting of her adventures. Plus it promises to add in some mystery, intriuge and romance and I am so here for this book! I cannot wait to see how this series evolves as this is just the first book in what looks to be a promising series!

Author Maya Rodale is mostly a romance writer so this will be her first foray into historical fiction/mystery but I am absolutely thrilled about this crossover. I haven’t read any of Rodale’s roamnces but I have seen many of them and they all look so juicy. This book about Bly also hints at a romantic piece so I am looking forward to seeing how that translates in the story itself. The book has been getting a ton of positive early reviews all around 4-5 stars! I cannot wait for this one and it’s out now so if you are looking for a new intriguing read I think this is going to be an excellent option!

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

Review: A Perilous Perspective (Lady Darby Mysteries #10) by Anna Lee Huber

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: A Perilous Perspective (Lady Darby Mysteries #10) by Anna Lee Huber

Ten books?! How in the world are we are ten books already in this series?! I cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday that I found this series and devoured all the books (at that time five) in like one sitting! This series overall has been completely solid. There were books I liked better than others and for different reasons but I would rate this entire series as five stars. SOLID!

I love Anna Lee Huber’s writing style and other books she has written but the Lady Darby books stand out above the others and I cannot say enough good things. Some of the books you can jump around in the series but honestly I think this is a series better read beginning to end. Not only area the characters great and the mysteries engaging, but you really gain a full appreciation for the character relationships and larger narrative.

Yes I know this cover is stunning and maybe you haven’t read the other books and just want to start here, by all means go for it but if you want to fully appreciate Kiera and Gage as well as the nuances of this book (and there are plenty of them and references from other books), then you definitely want to go back and read the other books—-pretty cover or not! For one this book features Kiera’s cousin, Rye, and if you miss the other books you will miss out on fully appreciating their relationship so basically read the other books first!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature and Excerpt: Mrs. England by Stacey Halls

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature and Excerpt: Mrs. England by Stacey Halls

You all know how much I love a great Edwardian era historical fiction book right?! There aren’t many out there that purely focus on the Edwardian era, most start with late Victorian or Great War and just skip right on over the Edwardian era all together. That was one of the reasons this book stood out to me since it is actually set in my favorite era plus it has some Gothic elements—absolutely sold. This book focuses on specifically the Edwardian era marriage and I am so looking forward to reading this one! It’s been getting lots of rave review and I have it added to my TBR for later this spring.

This book has mystery, romance, gothic goodness and history all promised in its description and I am absolutely here for it. I have a lovely excerpt to share with you guys today and I loved reading it so I hope you all do as well. Author Stacey Halls has written The Familiars and The Lost Orphan which I read a couple of years ago and really enjoyed!

I think Halls has a wonderful gift for telling atmospheric historical fiction with lots of attention to detail! I am really looking forward to this latest book and after reading some of the early reviews I am even more excited to check it out. If like me, you are a fan of the Gothic with history mixed in then you will want to grab this one for you spring reading. Set in the Yorkshire moors, this is going to be an eerie read with lots to devour no doubt! Be sure to keep reading for an excerpt of this sunning new historical fiction read! I love how it’s described as a slow burn menace—I am already hooked and I haven’t even started reading it yet!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: Three Debts Paid (Daniel Pitt #5) by Anne Perry

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Historical mystery serial killer themed by Anne Perry? Need I say more?! Anne Perry is a rather prolific writer with a large fan following and multiple series under her belt. I have read some of her mysteries and found them smart, well written, and interesting. I wish I had found her books early on in my reading career since there are just so many great ones to choose from!

This latest book is from the Daniel Pitt series which isn’t too many books into the series (only five at this point!). I have skipped around with Perry’s books and series and I always feel like she does a good job catching readers up to speed with the main characters and their relationships as well as other larger plot points in the larger series not just for the immediate book. So I would feel comfortable saying new readers of Perry’s books could likely pick up any book in the series and feel fairly caught up and able to dive in to enjoy a great mystery.

The thing that appealed about this one to me was the serial killer plot. I think serial killer stories are always so fascinating and I am so excited to see how this one plays out in a historical mystery setting. It also sound like there is going to be an interesting character study and room for character growth in this one with the lead protagonist Daniel Pitt having to deal with a potential killer who is also a respected friend. I love when there are stories like this where the main character has to try and remain objective—it always makes for great character building in novels! This one is out now so if you love historical mysteries this might be the book you are looking for!

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