Twenty years have passed since the Lovelorn Killer murders, and now Annalisa Vega is wondering why the murders have started again. She has a personal connection to the last of killer's victims.
The most interesting part to me was the online "detective" group called the Grave Diggers, who investigate cold cases.
I didn't want to put it down, but I still had a lot of quibbles. The reviews are extremely positive, and although I'll certainly need the next Annalisa Vega book, this one wasn't a stand-out for me.
I'm looking forward to the next Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham book, though.
Read in February; blog review scheduled for Aug. 1.
NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Mystery/Thriller. Aug. 10, 2021. Print length: 304 pages.
The Merchant and the Rogue is the third book in the series and contains the sweet little romance of the main characters. There's a hint of which secondary characters will take the stage in the next book.
Each book contains a Penny Dreadful story by one or two of the characters. Brogan's Penny Dreadful, "The Dead Zoo" had an interesting concept, but I found it ...not terribly interesting. King's story was better. Then, of course, there is the main plot in which Brogan goes undercover and falls for the bookseller and confronts corruption.
I loved the first book The Lady and the Highwayman because if its originality. The second and third books are OK, but all of them have terrific covers. :)
Read in February; blog review scheduled for Aug. 1.
NetGalley/Shadow Mountain Publishing
Historical/Mystery/Romance. Aug. 17, 2021. print length: 368 pages.
I don't, as a rule, read a lot of series, although in the past I read them almost exclusively. These two could be very interesting though. Interesting concepts.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first in the Dread Penny book, but haven't been as taken with the rest. The first book was innovative and fun because it was so unusual. :)
DeleteI'm excited to try the new Schaffhausen series, but I'm not surprised it's not quite as good as her Ellery Hathaway series. I love that series! And I still haven't read any of the Dread Penny Society books although I do have them on my TBR list. Someday, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't love the first book in the Ellery Hathaway series, but have liked the follow up books much more as characters developed! Now I look forward to each one and hope I'll feel the same way about Schaffhausen new Annalisa Vega books.
DeleteQuibbles can make or break a mystery for me. Also in historical fiction at times. If I am actively questioning the narrative while reading, it bugs me. I guess I don't like anything to pull me out of the story.
ReplyDeleteThe Dread Penny Society sounds intriguing. Like many readers, I have a semi-obsession with the Victoria era!
Those quibbles can pull you out of the story and that is detrimental to enjoyment. The Dread Penny books are interesting in concept and are light reading with a little romance. :)
DeleteI've been wanting to try The Dread Penny Society series. I've read a few of Sarah Eden's books and enjoyed them. And I love the Victorian era.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy them, Ashley! They are quick reads and good fun.
DeleteHappy to see that your reading has led to some interesting titles to consider while I managed to stay away from any computer for the past two weeks. I'm looking forward to taking a closer look at a couple of these.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for enjoying your trip without the computer, Sam!
DeleteI didn't know that Joanna Schaffhausen has a new series out! And of course I'm always behind when series books are concerned. Need to catch up on her Ellery Hathaway/Reed Markham series, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Dread Penny Society book does have a beautiful cover! I actually like the sound of both of these even if they weren't stellar they still sound enjoyable.
ReplyDelete