London, 1855. A disturbing murder of a lovely young woman on All Hallow's Eve, and another suspicious death on All Saint's Day, bring police inspector Sebastian Bell and Crimean nurse, Gemma Tate, together. They're both grieving personal losses; and they're both determined to bring a killer to justice. This Victorian mystery is riveting and intricately crafted. I loved Bell's outrage on behalf of the murdered young women, and his willingness to listen to Gemma and her thoughts on the case. And I loved that she didn't go off doing stupid, reckless things all the time. I also loved the atmospheric setting and all the historical details. It's one of my favorite time periods to read about. And this gripping novel is one of the best mysteries I've read this year. 5 stars!
Murder. A blizzard. And Casey's risky pregnancy and imminent labor. The stakes are high in the isolated town of Haven Rock as Casey and Eric realize there's a murderer in their small community. Who is it? And who will they target next? Can I just say that I love this series and these characters? This is another fast-paced and suspenseful mystery. Though I didn't love it quite as much as her previous novel, The Boy Who Cried Bear. Maybe because Casey and her pregnancy, and subsequent struggle to still be independent and investigate everything, took center stage, pushing Eric and the other characters to the periphery. (Except for their Newfoundland, Storm, whom I love.) But even with that, this book is a very fun and enjoyable read. 4 stars!
(Murder at Haven's Rock is the first book in Armstrong's Haven's Rock series, which is actually a continuation of her Rockton series. You can read more about those first books here. )
Happy Reading!
The Irina Shapiro book sounds great. I love the Victorian period too, so I would definitely like to read that one.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really good! I think there's going to be a sequel, which makes me happy.
DeleteThose sound good.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed both of them. :D
DeleteTwo more books with pretty covers! The Highgate Cemetery Murder sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteI loved it!
DeleteI desperately need to read Kelly Armstrong. So many of my trusted reviewers, yourself included, really enjoy her writing. Where's a good place to start?
ReplyDeleteI love her Rockton series, which this Haven's Rock series follows. So I recommend starting with City of the Lost, which is where you're first introduced to Casey and Eric and their isolated Yukon community of Rockton. It's a great setting and a suspenseful mystery. :D
DeleteI got halfway through City of The Lost and I need to finish it because it was very well written and and a unique idea for a series. Very pleased that the Highgate Cemetary Murder is available on Kindle unlimited and 5 stars I will be reading this book
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get a chance to finish reading City of the Lost; it's worth it! And I did love the Highgate Cemetery Murder, mostly because of the two characters and the fun time period. :D
DeleteThe Highgate Cemetery Murder looks good. Will make note of that one. Glad you liked Cold As Hell. And, yes, I understand what you meant about Casey and her pregnancy being the big focus. I am very curious how the next book will be told. I want to tell her - write faster - ha! She writes a lot of books though.
ReplyDeleteI wish she would write faster, too! I can't get enough of these characters. Mostly, I'm just glad she decided to continue writing about them in Haven's Rock. :D
DeleteI love Armstrong and have read the book. I just grabbed The Highgate Cemetery Murder on audio from libro.fm. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!!
DeleteI love the Kelley Armstrong series though I need to read more and really just anything from her in general. The Highgate Cemetery Murder looks fantastic. I'll have to get the audio!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read imo. I hope you get a chance to listen to it.
DeleteThis is one Armstrong series I've not started and honestly, I don't know why. I love absolutely everything she writes. I think The Highgate Cemetery Murder sounds great as well!
ReplyDeleteI love everything by Armstrong that I've read, too. She knows how to draw you in from page one, and I love her characters...especially Casey and Eric. :D
DeleteThe Highgate Cemetery Murder sounds really good. I need to see if my library has a copy. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope it does. I thought it was really well written.
DeleteBoth of these sound good. I do want to read Kelley Armstrong's books, but The Highgate Cemetery Murder has really piqued my interest after reading your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteI just really loved that one! I can't wait to read the next book.
DeleteI like Kelley Armstrong's books but I had to take a break from the Rockton series as they were beginning to seem too much the same. I need to catch up as this book sounds appealing.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I definitely want to read The Highgate Cemetery Murder as I am going to tour the cemetery in a few weeks!
Oh, you're so lucky!!! I've always wanted to go see Highgate. I hope you have a great time...and take lots of pictures. :D
DeleteI can't wait to get to the Haven's Rock books... but I still have a lot of Rockton left to read :)
ReplyDeleteI thought the last books in the Rockton series were really good. And I'm so happy she's continuing Eric's and Casey's story in Haven's Rock.
DeleteYes, a few times I wanted to shake Casey for still thinking she could still do all the things being pregnant! I would've like her to take more care. I need to check out The Highgate Cemetery Murder! It sounds wonderful! :)
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