Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem.

Reviewed by Francine:

With her inimitable writer voice and impeccable research, M. J. Logue’s setting for this novel is June 1666. As the author states in her Dear Reader letter: I’m not entirely sure why I fell quite so much in love with one young Parliamentarian lieutenant of horse as I did in my first series of books [end quote]. It is fair to say the once dashing blade has a fan here too, though never did he think that of himself. And now that Thankful Russell has acquired his own series of novels, his mettle long since tested in ways most men would flee from he is a modest hero at best. Truly, if this is your first introduction to Thankful Russell then the best recommendation a fan of Russell can convey, is to go back to the very beginning (The Uncivil Wars Series) and pick up from where it all began.

As for his adventures and pickles in this novel, he leads us forth from the quiet country lanes of the Chiltern Hills to the canals of Bruges, and there to uncover the mysterious disappearance of Aphra Behn’s betrothed. Suffice to say, the notorious Aphra is a bit of a mischief maker on the Russell home front almost as much as she is within her writings, thus doubts as to the underlying reason for dragging Thankful Russell to Bruges looks a little suspect and his wife, Thomazine, is having none of that! Of course, nothing is quite as it seems within Bruges, and soon husband and wife are in peril of dark places and would-be watery graves. Gripping stuff all told with 17th century history blended as tight as weave on a loom and rich with colour and authentic dialogue.

Reviewer asides: BEWARE missing the author’s “Dear Reader” and her extensive well-researched “Historical Notes at end of this book. I almost missed them due to “Publisher Intrusion and a sign-up link” which placed directly at the end of the story implied at first glance that was the extent of the book. Good job I flicked the page by accident. I always opt back to cover unless the book is an Anthology. To be quite honest publisher info with regards to other books and sign-ups ought morally to be on the final page of any book!

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Latest Mainstream Historical Romance!

Reviewed by Frances.

Set prior to and within the years of the English Civil Wars, The Black Madonna is a veritable literary mainstream historical tome written with multiple character viewpoints, so there is a lot of head-hopping. At 625 pages Kindle edition, it’s a well-written and extremely well researched vendetta led plot, ending with a romantic conclusion.

The prologue itself [1636] provides the reader with insight to the background of the Falceiri family of Genoa (Italy), and that of Luciano Del Santi’s bent to avenge the death of his father. By chapter one it is 1639, and Luciano is ensconced in London as a goldsmith and money lender. Albeit his work is much sought after, Luciano’s debtors’ range from the King to his courtiers, therefore the Italian moves in circles where he can never be “one of them” whilst they revolve in the realms of his dark existence out of dire need.  Therefore, he wields dangerous power over a great many people of high rank and lesser status of whom may, or may not have had a hand in his father’s demise. What is more, his quest for justice and revenge combined with his cold calculating nature leads him on a predetermined path to dangerous encounters and the ultimate coup de grace.

But one should never underestimate element of surprise attack from an unknown source, and if not for the intervention and gallantry of Richard Maxwell and his son, the Italian might well have breathed his last in the gutter of a dark alley. Thus a new bond is struck, a bond that will last and eventually lead Lucianio to the men he seeks, thus the Maxwell family become an asset and latterly a liability when his heart is touched by Kate Maxwell, but tragedy strikes a mortal blow and guilt reigns for Luciano. All the while Parliament and the King are at odds, Civil War is no longer talked of as a possibility, for battles indeed rage, cities fall to Royalist or Parliamentarian banners [1642], and Luciano continues hunting his prey. Meanwhile one of the hunted is determined to remove all evidence of his involvement in Del Santi senior’s demise, until one rash indulgence provides indisputable evidence of his guilt. But will Luciano grant mercy or serve sentence when the final moment of truth is upon him?

Reviewer notes: There are in depth narrative introductory passages per chapter and page breaks akin to Wikipedia datelines relating to persons of note, political shenanigans, plus military conquests and defeats. IMHO less author intrusion and more character drip-fed revelations of events as they unfolded would have provided the necessary historical facts woven seamlessly as opposed to documentary overtones, which often stalled the otherwise compelling storyline. All in all, an excellent read. 

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