Viennese and Musical May Reading List

__ A Viennese and Musical May 🎻🌸__

May days have a very special quality: they are longer, and the golden light seems to wake the world up from its winter sleep.
Here, in the heart of spring, the countryside is a mix of bright green and a thousand other colors, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers.

In my opinion, it’s the most romantic month of the year, and it always makes me want to get lost in a book as elegant as a musical opera.

If you follow my reading journey, you know how much I love stories set in Vienna.

There is something about the grand palaces, the narrow cobblestone streets, and the way Mozart’s ghost seems to linger in the air. It’s the perfect setting for a novel!
Whether it’s a dark mystery about a lost musical score or a romance blooming under the chestnut trees of the Prater, Vienna offers a sense of peace (and sometimes drama) that few other places can match.

Every month, I usually pick four or more books for myself.
This time, I decided to share my list with you, and I want to call it my **Viennese and Musical May.**

We will travel through time, from the powdered wigs of the 18th century to the Austrian choirs of the 19th-forties.
So, grab a cup of Wiener Melange (a bit like an Italian cappuccino), a delicious slice of chocolate cake, find a sunny spot in the grass, and let’s dive into these stories together!


🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

__ 1. THE NEW READ:

The Mozart Conspiracy by Susanne Dunlap

Theresa Schurman book #2 #HistoricalMystery

I’ve just started this sequel, and I’m already captivated. We are back in Vienna, following Theresa Schurman as she investigates a secret that could involve the great Mozart himself.

It’s the perfect book for those who love court intrigues and musical mysteries.

Each book can be easily read as a standalone, but if you're curious about "Theresa Schurman book #1" too, maybe you can take a look to my review :

THE MUSICIAN'S DAUGHTER by Susanne Dunlap book review.

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__ 2. THE FAVOURITE:

The Figaro Murders by Laura Lebow

Lorenzo Da Ponte Book #1 #HistoricalCozyMystery #MozartOpera #ImperialVienna

If you missed it, I recently updated my review of this gem.
🎼🕵️‍Set 18th century Vienna, the story follows Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart’s real-life librettist, as a "reluctant detective." While struggling to finish the script for The Marriage of Figaro, Da Ponte finds himself accused of a brutal murder. The only one option: find the real culprit.

It’s a brilliant recreation of the Enlightenment world, filled with music, political intrigue, and famous historical figures.

Read my review here :

THE FIGARO MURDERS by Laura Lebow book review

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__ 3. THE SEQUEL OF THE RELUCTANT DETECTIVE :

Sent to the Devil by Laura Lebow

Lorenzo Da Ponte Book #2 #HistoricalCozyMystery #OperaLibrettist #Vienna

If you loved The Figaro Murders, you cannot miss the grand finale of this duology. This time, Lorenzo Da Ponte is working on Mozart’s Don Giovanni while a mysterious killer stalks the Viennese aristocracy.

It’s a delightful mix of history, music, and suspense—perfect for a cozy afternoon! 🎼🕵️‍♂️

Read my review here :

SENT TO THE DEVIL by Laura Lebow book review

🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

__ 4. THE MUSICAL ROMANCE:

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson

also published with the title "The Reluctant Heiress" #HistoricalRomance #YoungAdult #MozartVibes.

💕A delightful and lighthearted romance set in the 1920s. It follows a princess in disguise who joins an opera production of Mozart’s *The Magic Flute*. Between rehearsals and high-society snobs, a charming English gentleman falls for her. It’s bubbly, sweet, and absolutely perfect for a sunny May afternoon!🏰🌸

I haven't read it yet, but it's on my wishlist and if you'd like to know more you can read the back cover on Goodreads.

🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

__ 5. THE SOULFUL CLASSIC:

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp

#NonFiction #Memoir #History #Inspirational #TheSoundOfMusic

🎶🎼This beautiful autobiography stayed in my heart long after I finished it.

It’s the real story behind *The Sound of Music*, following the family from the mountains of Austria to America. It's a tale of faith, music, and rebirth, the perfect book to bring peace to your soul this spring.

The book is available both in English and Italian Edition.
Read my review here :

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp book review

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__ 6. THE PASSIONATE OPERA:

Vienna Nocturne by Vivien Shotwell

#HistoricalRomance #MozartVibes #OperaSinger.

💕What happens when a young, talented singer meets the genius of Mozart in the sparkling theaters of Vienna? This novel follows Anna Storace, a real-life soprano, on her journey from Italy’s greatest opera houses to the Imperial Court.

It’s a story of fame, heartbreak, and an undeniable connection between two artists who inspire each other to create masterworks. It’s a dramatic and romantic tour de force that I can't wait to read! 🎼💖

Take a look on for further details Goodreads.

🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

__ 7. THE OPERA THRILLER:

Death and the Maiden by Frank Tallis

Liebermann Papers Book #6#HistoricalThriller #ViennaOpera #GustavMahler

If you are looking for a more intense mystery, this is it. When a famous diva of the Vienna Opera is found dead, Detective Oskar Rheinhardt and psychoanalyst Max Liebermann suspect it wasn’t just an accident.

It’s a fascinating journey into a 19th century Vienna full of scandals, political tensions, and dangerous secrets. An investigation involving the great composer Gustav Mahler himself!🔎🎭🎼

Know more about the whole series on Goodreads. Each book ca be easily read as a standalone.

🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

__ 8. THE SCHUBERT MYSTERY:

Vienna in Violet by David W. Frank

#MusicalMystery #Schubert #HistoricalFiction #Vienna.

In this intriguing mystery, the great composer Franz Schubert and his partner Johann Michael Vogl find themselves accused of murdering a notorious countess.

The police are looking for a quick scapegoat, and the two musicians must prove their innocence before it's too late. It’s a race against time to stop a killer and protect the genius of Schubert.
A must-read for fans of music and suspense! 🎻🔍💜

Take a look on for further details on Goodreads.

🎼 ** ______________________ ** 🎼

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Curious about what else is on my nightstand? You can peek at my full _ To Read Shelf on Goodreads _ to see all the stories I’m planning to dive into this year!

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

to stay updated on my latest reviews and bookish news! ✨

As we close this musical tour through the streets of Vienna, I hope these eight books have sparked your curiosity!
Whether you prefer the elegant 18th-century court of Mozart, the romantic 1920s, or the dramatic 1940s, there is a story waiting to transport you to the City of Music.

Reading is like listening to a symphony: every story has its own.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!👉 Which of these titles has caught your eye? Are you in the mood for a dark mystery or a heartwarming romance today?
Let me know in the comments below—I always love a good bookish chat! ☕📖

And don't forget to follow me on Goodreads to stay updated on my latest 'musical' discoveries.
Happy reading, and may your May be filled with wonderful stories! 🌸📖✨

Book review : The Chains of Albion by Edwin Thomas | The Perfect Feel-Good Historical Escape

The Chains of Albion
Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold Book #2)
by Edwin Thomas

GENRE : #Historical-adventure-mystery #NavalSetting

Romp-fast, funny, and intentionally lighthearted adventure novel. My rating: ★★★★☆

😃Once again, Edwin Thomas has kept me entertained with the chaotic exploits of British naval lieutenant Martin Jerrold, who’s basically a magnet for trouble.
This book is a light, fun, and fast-moving historical mystery, perfect if you want something enjoyable without too much thinking, especially if you like stories tied to real historical events.

THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :

It’s July 1806. Just a few months earlier, Lieutenant Martin Jerrold had to clear his name from a false murder charge and, despite a series of mishaps and bad luck, managed to uncover a traitorous plot against the English crown favoring Napoleon.
Now promoted to captain, he’s in charge of a prison ship in the Medway filled with French prisoners. He couldn’t be happier: away from battles, storms, and all the headaches of naval life, plus he gets to spend time with his lover Isobel, who visits him regularly under the guise of being his “cousin.” But this peaceful setup isn’t going to last. Jerrold’s luck runs out when one of the prisoners escapes due to his own careless mistake.
Stripped of his command and summoned back to London by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he’s tasked with tracking down the fugitive by any means necessary.

Reluctantly, he sets off on a chase that takes him from the murky swamps of Chatham, through the grimy London slums, across the bleak Dartmoor, and finally to Brighton, a rising, elegant seaside resort.

At the post office, Mr. Nevell, a spy from the Secret Office and Jerrold’s partner from the last adventure, shows up with an interest that matches the political powers both in the royal court and the opposition.
Why is this escaped prisoner so important that everyone’s willing to go to any lengths to catch him?

---

____ MY THOUGHTS ___

Like I said at the start, this book is a fun ride with plenty of moments that might seem a bit silly. But don’t write it off as a “goofy” story, because even without a murder mystery to solve, the question of why the prisoner matters keeps you curious and on edge until one of the last chapters.
Then, when someone finally spills the truth to Jerrold, he surprises us again by doing what’s right, just when taking the easier, wrong path would have been so much simpler.

THE MAIN CHARACTER : MARTIN JERROLD

He’s lazy, clumsy, and pretty much a disaster as a soldier, especially one with big responsibilities.
You might think he’d be one of those annoying characters, but he actually won me over from the first book.
He’s young and good-looking, but beneath it all, he’s got a heart of gold, and you can’t help but root for him. Every move he makes, even when he’s trying, seems cursed by bad luck.
In both the previous book and this one, the "villain" isn't just one person, but several people from different factions and all of them treat him with merciless arrogance and a sense of superiority.

WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON:

One thing I really like about Edwin Thomas is that bullies and villains always get what’s coming to them, and despite all the crap Jerrold goes through, he ends up rewarded in the end.
The author calls this reward “undeserved,” but honestly, Jerrold’s charm is that even though he’s pushed around by orders, fate, and circumstances beyond his control, he still gives his best, often without even realizing it.
He might be the first to doubt himself, thinking himself a “cunning coward,” but the story proves otherwise. You can’t help but love him and cheer when he finally gets his moment of moral victory.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER :

1 _ SIDE CHARACTERS:

Isobel, Nevell, and Jerrold’s little personal servant, the friends and supporters, don’t get as much screen time in this second adventure compared to the first book.
I would have loved a longer story with more action scenes involving these familiar faces.
I was glad to see them again though; having returning characters really helps the series feel connected.

2 _ THE MAIN VILLAIN:

Major Lebrett, a cavalry officer obsessed with catching the prisoner, is probably the toughest on Jerrold. He’s painted as a skilled soldier but completely without scruples or conscience.
Maybe the author could’ve dug deeper into his character as the main antagonist to Jerrold’s reluctant hero, but with so many villains in the mix, it’s understandable that not everyone gets a full personality spotlight.
That’s just a small note from me, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.

THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:

Even though the backdrop is the Napoleonic Wars, when England and France were bitter enemies, you don’t actually get thrown into battle scenes here. Instead, picture the salty sea breeze mixed with tense political plots, the sweat and danger of daring escapes, and the occasional sharp scent of gun smoke.
There’s a brief but intense and suspenseful action moment between two brigantines that made me want to dive into classic naval stories like those by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) or C.S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower).

WHO DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO?

If you’re a young adult or adult looking for a quick, unpredictable read that you can finish in a couple of days and walk away feeling light and happy, this is for you.
The language is clean for younger readers, and there’s nothing too graphic or upsetting for sensitive folks.

Thanks for checking out my review, I hope you enjoyed this journey into 19th-century England with me!

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Book review : The Venetian Heretic by Christian Cameron | A High-Stakes Historical Mystery

The Venetian Heretic
by Christian Cameron

GENRE : #Historical-action-mystery #Swashbuckling #RapierandDagger

My rating: ★★★★★

😃Wow, what a fantastic read from beginning to end!
Can’t wait to dive into book two!

This novel is a thrilling ride full of action, mystery, intrigue, and just the right touch of romance.
The main character is smart and relatable, surrounded by a clever and likable crew of friends. It’s a brilliant debut that promises a series packed with excitement and curiosity.

Christian Cameron, who was new to me until now, paints a Venice that goes way beyond the usual gondolas, canals, masquerades, and grand palaces.
Instead, it’s a tangled web of spies and secrets where actors, opera singers, nuns and monks, swordsmen and dance instructors, noble politicians, underworld thugs (the “Bravi”), and foreign Venetians all play their part in a dangerous, never-ending game.


______ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL: Venice, 1651.
Richard Hughes, an Englishman once a soldier for King Charles and later enslaved as a rower on Spanish galleys, is now a free man thanks to a Venetian general who saved him.

In Venice, he works as a fencing master, living a modest but peaceful life, at least until a woman pulls him into a dangerous investigation.
The Red Mask is targeting the city’s Libertines, and Richard, along with a mix of old and new allies, must unravel a conspiracy stretching all the way to the Vatican and beyond...


_________ ********* _________ 😊👌 Here’s what hooked me on this book:

1_ First off, the MAIN CHARACTER’s charm, wit, and self-deprecating humor. ---> RICHARD HUGHES, or “Riccardo Huze” to Venetians, also known as “The Blade,” is an unforgettable hero.
He’s a former soldier of King Charles during the English Civil War, who survived brutal slavery as a galley rower and now earns his keep as a master swordsman.
He’s smart, seasoned by war and life, but never arrogant and always joking at his own expense and deeply human. He’s not your typical flawless detective; instead, he’s persistent, learns from mistakes, and approaches the shadowy world of secrets with the honesty of someone who’s seen the worst.
---> Told in first person, the story really let me connect with Richard’s feelings, struggles, dreams, and triumphs.


2_ The BREAKNECK PACE and vivid descriptions of 17th-century sword and dagger combat.
---> HISTORY and THRILLS
The story moves fast:
What starts as a simple kidnapping of an innkeeper named Maria quickly spirals into a vast conspiracy involving the highest powers in Venice and the church.
The ties between the “Libertines,” Jesuits, and the Venetian Inquisition create a complex and gripping plot.

---> Venice in 1651 isn’t painted with the usual grand images of architecture, foggy canals, or mysterious masks. Instead, we see secret meetings, banned books, harsh crackdowns, and a constant fear of being discovered.
---> Even though the mystery itself wasn’t the author’s strongest point, the tense atmosphere, the chase for the truth that always feels just out of reach, and the nonstop action kept me hooked until the last page.


3_ The sense of BOND and TEAM SPIRIT that grows between Richard and his friends and new acquaintances, forming an awesome group ready to catch the villain.
--> I’ve always loved stories about friendship, trust, and teamwork whether in movies, shows, or books and this one has it in spades.
I’m really hoping to see all these characters again in the next book as part of the “Huze team” !!
--> At first, the huge cast of characters was a bit overwhelming: so many names, some fictional, others real historical figures, had me confused at times.
Luckily, the author included a handy character list at the start, which helped me keep track. After about a fifth of the book, I didn’t need it anymore.


The SIDE CHARACTERS fall into 3 groups:

- Richard’s close friends
- Powerful figures pulling strings in Venice
- The villains

Despite the large number of characters, the author gave each one enough depth for me to feel connected. Not only descriptions of their looks, but sharpe description of mannerisms and dialogue brought them to life.


Some HISTORICAL FIGURES I especially enjoyed researching further:

_ Bondì di Mazo, a Jewish fencing master, fascinated me the most.
Deeply rooted in Venetian fencing history, he published a famous 1696 treatise, "The Master Sword," detailing the art of sword (and dagger) fighting—the foundation of modern sport fencing. The story doesn’t mention this treatise but instead focuses on a book by Maestro Cavalli (who also really existed). Richard learns a new defensive and offensive move from this book, which he then demonstrates in a duel and my excitement was off the charts!!!
Cameron opened a door to a world I hadn’t explored before, even as a great fan of The Musketeers ( by Alexandre Dumas ).

_ Francesco Morosini, Richard’s protector and a real Venetian general who later became Doge, is another fascinating figure.
Fun fact: I found out he hated women but adored his cat so much he took her to battle and had her stuffed after she died to keep her close.

_ Among the Libertines (free thinkers opposing dogmatic religion and supporting natural morality), we meet Francesco Loredan and the cloistered nun Arcangela (Elena Tarabotti), a writer defending women’s rights and librettist of an opera satirizing male abuses.

-----> The historical details are never dull. Christian Cameron could easily be a top-notch adventure TV writer. That’s my taste, but every reader has their own, so judge for yourself if this novel’s for you.

😒 My only slight disappointment was the main villain, who felt underdeveloped. The author hints at his past, but I couldn’t tell if his actions stemmed from revenge or madness.
His downfall happened too quickly compared to the chaos he caused. Still, this story gripped me so much I’d recommend it a thousand times over.


IN SHORT:
WHY PICK IT UP? Cameron blends real historical figures like Francesco Morosini and Bondì di Mazo with fictional characters so seamlessly that 17th-century Venice truly comes alive.
---> The tone is light and humorous, perfect for anyone wanting a thrilling mystery without too much gore, but packed with action and a hint of romance.

It’s the FIRST book in a series but you can easily read it as a STANDALONE, in fact it stands well on its own, giving a satisfying ending for the characters and plot.
Cameron teases Richard Hughes’s next adventure and a new character debut, and I’m already eager to see what’s next!

Thanks for reading my thoughts! I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here before this gets too long. 😊!

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Throughout the narrative, I wasn't able to fully get behind her character as some other readers did.
This wasn't because she was a killer (which the book justifies by saying she was eliminating traitors who would bring only war and ruin to the Venetian people), but because her painful past had made her so cynical that she almost always put herself first.

More than that, despite her feelings for Bastiano, she not only did her job by sleeping with other men, but she clearly relished it. I mean, for her, it wasn't just a job, it was also a pleasure.
She enjoyed the physical intimacy and and emotional complicity with some of her clients immensely, from the dinners and private conversations to the parties and, ultimately, every single moment of the sexual act. It seemed to me that she was at least a little infatuated with others as well, and I perceived this as a sort of emotional betrayal of Bastiano.

I can accept the physical infidelity in this situation because it was part of her job, but the emotional betrayal is unacceptable if we're talking about true love for Bastiano.

What's more, I didn't feel particularly moved by the chapters detailing her painful past.
I was more bothered by the pity she felt for herself than the pain she experienced due to the horrific deaths of others. Ambition and self-centeredness have been part of her character from the start.

Looking at it objectively, it's clear that the protagonist had to be tough and ruthless; she couldn't have survived in her profession otherwise. However, this made me follow the story with curiosity and complete fascination, rooting for Bastiano instead of her.

_____ BASTIANO is a charming, intelligent and handsome young man. He enjoys playing the part of the carefree charmer who seduces women with just his knowing smile, but deep down, he's a good soul, kind, devoted, and protective.
While he could have many lovers, he doesn't. He is jealous of the other men, and it hurts him to see them with Valentina and to know that she'll share a bed with them, but he never becomes possessive. He expresses his jealousy in a healthy way and wants to share his life with her, even though the customs of the time only allowed firstborn sons to marry and produce heirs.

You might think that a man who accepts this kind of relationship is weak, but that's not true. It is his strength of character that allows him to stay by her side even when things get difficult and everything seems dark and uncertain.

He's willing to sacrifice his life to save the woman he loves.

I was worried about him right up until the end, because the story takes so many unexpected turns, and it's hard to guess what the author will do with this character, who became the one I cared about most in the whole book.

As the story unfolds, we also meet some of Valentina's clients, other courtesans (including a very close friend), and, naturally, the "villain" of the moment.

Each character has well-defined personality traits, which made them either likable (making me fear for their safety) or loathsome, and which skillfully added depth to the picture of Valentina's life, thus lending meaning to her choices and her mistakes.


__ THE MYSTERY PART ___

The mystery is compelling and kept me guessing until the very end, though I have to admit there were a couple of somewhat predictable moments.

The most fascinating parts of the book are the characters and the way they navigate blackmail and try to expose a dangerous plot. The intriguing setting of Venice is equally important, acting as a third main character: glittering, powerful, decadent, and perilous.

Moreover, the author's writing style is perfectly balanced, never too wordy, never too brief, always managing to intrigue and engage you, making you feel like you're right there with the characters.


_____ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ____

While the story of Valentina and Bastiano is fictional, the author presents the real world of courtesans, the "honest courtesans," with considerable skill. These women distinguished themselves from ordinary prostitutes through their extensive education, refinement, and comfortable way of life.
Since women of "patrician families" weren't allowed to read or study, wealthy and noble men turned to courtesans not only for sexual gratification but also for companionship at events and parties, and to have someone they could converse with as equals. The politics of the era and the system of government in the Republic of Venice, the famous Serenissima, are also explained clearly and concisely, which greatly helps the reader understand the roles of certain characters and the kind of power they possessed or sought.

You can find additional information in the author's fascinating HISTORICAL NOTES at the end of the book.


___ WHO SHOULD READ THIS? ___

Although it touches on themes of sex and murder, this is actually a "clean" read, with CLEAN LANGUAGE and NO GRUESOME DESCRIPTIONS.
The intimate scenes are always depicted elegantly and never descend into vulgarity.

If you enjoy historical settings that are true to life and want something different from the usual stories set in England or America, if you want a romance that's not just about romance but also filled with intrigue and dark secrets... then this book is for you.

----> I found the ending satisfying, although I would have preferred a more traditional happily-ever-after. However, I realize that would have felt unrealistic and improbable. Don't worry, it's still a positive ending.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. I'm eager to explore her other novels!!

Thank you my friends for reding my opinion, I hope this helps you choose your next read!

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Book review : A Dead Herring by Helen Golden

A Dead Herring
A Right Royal Cozy Investigation #6
by Helen Golden
GENRE: #Snowbound-cozy-mystery #humor

My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

Very enjoyable contemporary cozy mystery with a completely fictional English royal family. I think it could have been a little shorter, but I really enjoyed the investigative part, and the characters' personal stories captivated me right away.

Okay, so I picked up this book because, ADMITTEDLY, the cover with the little white dog was just too cute! I was totally in the mood for something "mysterious _and_ lighthearted", you know?

Well, a couple of chapters in, I almost gave up on it. BUT! I'm so glad I didn't. Honestly, after that slightly misguided first impression, the story and the characters completely won me over.

______ THE PLOT might sound a little...familiar, right?
A classic set-up: a party at a castle, a sudden, heavy snowfall trapping everyone inside, a murder...and because the roads are blocked, the only one who can get there is the "grumpy but handsome and charming" policeman staying nearby.
Oh, and the lady of the castle? Not only is she the granddaughter of a made-up king, but she's _always_ stumbling upon murders and playing amateur detective with her friends and her dog. Naturally, things are a bit tense between the policeman and the lady (mutual attraction and sizzling tension, perhaps? ..._obviously_...).

_____ _____ * * * _____ _____

BUT, as we all know, it's not _just_ the plot, is it? It's all about _HOW_ the story is told.

I’m not gonna lie, I thought the book could have been a _tad_ shorter. However, I do get that a lot of the dialogue I might have cut, and the descriptions of every little gesture and thought (which sometimes made me roll my eyes a bit), were actually what really brought the setting to life and made me feel like I knew the characters – especially the main ones: the two main characters, their two sidekicks, and the dog, of course! Same goes for the supporting characters, both new and recurring.


_____ WELL-DRAWN CHARACTERS _____

The "good guys" in this story are all so likeable! They each have their own well-defined personality.
_____ We’ve got Detective Fitzwilliam, who's gruff, but ultimately charming, caring, intelligent, and a total professional.


_____ Then there's Lady Beatrice, the beautiful and intelligent young widow, always curious, enterprising, and stubbornly convinced that she's _done_ with handsome bachelors.

_____ And her best friends! Simon Lattimore, a writer and former policeman, who's cool, calm, and full of common sense. Plus, Simon's fiancé Pperry Juke, a real jokester, always ready with a laugh, but also always there to support Lady Beatrice's wild ideas.

_____ Oh, and let’s not forget Lord Frederick Astley, Lady B.'s brother, a possible secret agent, and his equally mysterious but friendly collaborators.

_____ And the dog! The cute, almost always present dog doesn't do a whole lot besides, well, be a dog. But it's her greedy, curious nature that helps them uncover a major clue! I'd say she's a very valuable character who brings warmth and fun to the story.

The minor characters and possible villains, plus the castle staff, don't get as much screen time, but the detective's questions are enough to give you an accurate image of them.


_____ LIVELY AND FUNNY DIALOGUES _____

The conversations between the main characters really highlight their relationships. There's affection, witty banter, sulking, and playful teasing throughout the entire story. _____ THE MYSTERY INVESTIGATION and THE AUTHOR'S CLEVERNESS _____

Between eavesdropped conversations and clever interrogations, the clues start to appear. They’re like little breadcrumbs that keep readers feeling like they’re figuring things out alongside the characters, but also make you want to keep turning the pages to find out more. But the author’s real brilliance? She sprinkled tons of little subplots, full of mysteries and romantic possibilities, throughout the whole book.
Even though this is book #6 in the series, I never felt lost or confused by the characters' histories, so it's EASY READABLE AS A STANDALONE.
Each situation is explained well, giving you a glimpse of what happened before and introducing new elements that won’t be fully resolved in this book. This keeps you satisfied, but also makes you want to pick up the next book (or go back and read the others!).

The solution to the main mystery isn’t super surprising, thanks to the focus on certain descriptions and impressions (even early on). But this is one of those stories where "it's not the destination, it's the journey."
The story actually continues for several chapters even after the murderer is caught, because the murder and the investigation are really just a backdrop. The _real_ heart of the story is those personal subplots!


_____ CLEAN LANGUAGE and GOOD HUMOR.

_____ WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
Absolutely, if you enjoy cozy mysteries and want something lighthearted and a bit romantic.

Thank you all for stopping by and reading!


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Book review : A Christmas Promise by Anne Perry

A Christmas Promise by Anne Perry

GENRE: #Victorian-Christmas-novella #cozy-mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

I just finished reading "A Christmas Promise" by Anne Perry, and while it's technically a Christmas story, it's less about tinsel and carols and more about those truly important human values we should all be striving for, things like friendship, loyalty, compassion, and good old human warmth. You know, the "stuff that _really_ matters", not just at Christmas but all the time.

This is a mystery story, but not your typical one with detectives and police.
Nope, we've got the murder of a man and the disappearance of a donkey being investigated by two super-poor little girls!
One is driven by her love for the missing donkey and her dead uncle, and the other by pure compassion and friendship.
They bravely face the dark, cold, and scary streets of Victorian London, which is quite something!


__ **THE PLOT IN SHORT**__
London, Victorian era.
It's three days before Christmas, and the East End slums are freezing. That's where thirteen-year-old Gracie Phipps meets Minnie Maude Mudway, who's only eight years old! Minnie Maude is determined to find Charlie, the donkey who belonged to her Uncle Alf. Gracie's shocked when she finds out that someone brutally murdered Uncle Alf _the day before_ and stole his rag cart, along with poor Charlie! Now, Minnie Maude is set on saving Charlie, no matter what, and Gracie decides to help her. Uncle Alf was a ragpicker, and the suspicion is that he had something valuable hidden on his cart. Someone was so desperate that they were willing to kill to get their hands on it!

________ **************** ________
I did have a little bit of a struggle while I was reading. The dialogue, which is mostly between working-class people, isn't in standard English. It's all contracted words and spelled phonetically – you have to listen to the sound of the words to understand! I guess it's a kind of dialect.

Being Italian, and with English not being my first language, I was a bit thrown at first! But I got used to it, and it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.

Even though there wasn't a traditional investigation, the story kept me in suspense and totally curious about who the culprit might be.
And little Minnie Maude’s constant worry about Charlie, her four-legged friend, really got to me. I'm a big animal lover, so it made me even more anxious to find the poor donkey! I was right there with her, hoping and praying for a happy ending.

I'm often a little disappointed by short stories, because they don't always have time to really delve into the characters and themes. But this author did an amazing job of creating a vivid setting and making me feel deeply connected to those little girls.

I've had Anne Perry's Christmas stories on my TBR pile for ages, and I feel bad admitting I let my own prejudices hold me back.
She committed a pretty serious crime when she was younger, and it shocked me. Even though religion teaches us to forgive and give people a second chance, I just couldn't get past it.

It's not my place to judge her as a person, but I'm honestly happy I was able to appreciate her talent as a writer. I'm definitely going to read more of her Christmas stories and her longer mystery novels, and I highly recommend you give them a try too!

Thanks for reading my opinion :-)

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Book review : Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil by Steven A.McKay

Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil
by Steven A.McKay

GENRE: #Adventure-Christmas-novella
#MedievalChristmas

My rating: ★★★★☆

I'm giving "Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil" by Steven A. McKay a solid 3.5 stars, rounding it up to 4!

This is a quick little Christmas story about good ol' Friar Tuck from Robin Hood's gang.

I dove into it right during the holiday season, but honestly, since it's set way back in the Middle Ages, there weren't a lot of those cozy, festive vibes we usually associate with Christmas – you know, the kind that came about in Victorian times and onward.

The story really centers on Friar Tuck's adventure (which makes total sense since it's a short read). And while it's not a super dramatic, action-packed thing with crazy bravery or anything, it's *still* really good!
It manages to be poignant all the way through, and by the end, you're just breathing a sigh of relief that everything works out.

Aside from the little bit of suspense, what I really dug was the historical intro. It talked about the fears and superstitions people had back then, and gave some cool insights into Christmas rituals of the time.

Reading about Friar Tuck, who was such a big part of my childhood with all the books, cartoons, and TV shows, was like a super sweet and fun trip down memory lane.

Thanks for reading my thoughts! :-)

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