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The Bloodstone #3
A Venomous Love
A veteran, Detective Rudyard Bloodstone has fought a brutal battle and witnessed war horrors that haunt his nightmares. Now one of those horrors has followed him home from Africa.
A vicious predator, the Cape cobra, can kill a man in thirty minutes. A suspect using the snake as a weapon in robberies is terrorizing London.
When the crimes escalate into murder, a victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill, becomes the focus of the killer. After several attempts on her life, Scotland Yard threatens to take over the high profile case. With few leads to follow, Bloodstone and his partner must now fight department politics and catch the killer before Underhill becomes another murder victim.
A vicious predator, the Cape cobra, can kill a man in thirty minutes. A suspect using the snake as a weapon in robberies is terrorizing London.
When the crimes escalate into murder, a victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill, becomes the focus of the killer. After several attempts on her life, Scotland Yard threatens to take over the high profile case. With few leads to follow, Bloodstone and his partner must now fight department politics and catch the killer before Underhill becomes another murder victim.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2020
About the author
Chris Karlsen
34 books448 followersChris was born and raised in Chicago. Her father was a history professor and her mother was, and is, a voracious reader. She grew up with a love of history and books. Her parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto her. She wanted to see the places she read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated her. She’s had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. She is also a retired police detective who spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. Her desire to write came in her early teens. After she retired, she decided to pursue that dream. She writes two different series. Her paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. Her romantic thriller series is, Dangerous Waters. She currently live in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 28, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A Venomous Love (The Bloodstone Series Book #3) by Chris Karlsen is the latest historical mystery in this series set in the Victorian era featuring Detective Rudyard Bloodstone. These are entertaining reads that give you a snapshot of the people in this era and it also gives you a look at the limitations of the police to solve crimes. No CSI here, just old-fashioned legwork and logic with a little luck thrown into the mix.
Detective Rudyard “Ruddy” Bloodstone and his partner Detective Archie Holbrook are on the case of a thief who uses a unique deadly weapon to get his victims to turnover their valuables, a Cape cobra. Ruddy knows how quickly this snakes’ venom can kill having fought against the Zulus in Africa.
When the robberies escalate into murder, Ruddy and Archie wonder why the victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill becomes the main focus of their thief. As they work the case, Ruddy’s brother, Will who has returned from service in India becomes a bodyguard for Honoria.
With few leads and the threat of Scotland Yard taking over the case. Ruddy and Archie are racing the clock to catch the killer before Honoria becomes another murder victim.
I really enjoy reading these mysteries featuring Rudyard Bloodstone. Ruddy, his partner and all the secondary characters pull you back in time with an interesting case to solve. Ms. Karlsen makes you realize how limited early law enforcement was and the class differences that could also impact a case. The use of the Cape cobra as a weapon was unique and even though you know the person behind the crime, the story still keeps you intrigued and interested.
I recommend this historical mystery and all the books in The Bloodstone Series.
A Venomous Love (The Bloodstone Series Book #3) by Chris Karlsen is the latest historical mystery in this series set in the Victorian era featuring Detective Rudyard Bloodstone. These are entertaining reads that give you a snapshot of the people in this era and it also gives you a look at the limitations of the police to solve crimes. No CSI here, just old-fashioned legwork and logic with a little luck thrown into the mix.
Detective Rudyard “Ruddy” Bloodstone and his partner Detective Archie Holbrook are on the case of a thief who uses a unique deadly weapon to get his victims to turnover their valuables, a Cape cobra. Ruddy knows how quickly this snakes’ venom can kill having fought against the Zulus in Africa.
When the robberies escalate into murder, Ruddy and Archie wonder why the victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill becomes the main focus of their thief. As they work the case, Ruddy’s brother, Will who has returned from service in India becomes a bodyguard for Honoria.
With few leads and the threat of Scotland Yard taking over the case. Ruddy and Archie are racing the clock to catch the killer before Honoria becomes another murder victim.
I really enjoy reading these mysteries featuring Rudyard Bloodstone. Ruddy, his partner and all the secondary characters pull you back in time with an interesting case to solve. Ms. Karlsen makes you realize how limited early law enforcement was and the class differences that could also impact a case. The use of the Cape cobra as a weapon was unique and even though you know the person behind the crime, the story still keeps you intrigued and interested.
I recommend this historical mystery and all the books in The Bloodstone Series.
April 3, 2020
A robber is using a King Cobra as a weapon to rob people. Then 1 man dies in front of his daughter ,Honoria Underhill,. Since she saw what happened she becomes the focus of the robber. To silent her. Detective Ruddy Bloodstone must find out who this suspect is and try to keep Honoria Underhill safe. This is the 3rd book of this series and I had not read the other 2 but I don't think it was necessary to know what was going on.
I received this from Partners In Crime for review.
I received this from Partners In Crime for review.
April 6, 2020
Over five years ago, we posted about the first volume of The Bloodstone series. It sounded interesting and I wanted to read it immediately. But it happened to start the series with the third volume: A Venomous Love. It was still OK because the volumes could be read as stand-alone books but I lost the pleasure of meeting earlier some entrancing characters. Until I correct the situation, let me tell you about A Venomous Love.
A Venomous Love is described as a historical suspense and I could say that it also has some aspects of the police procedural. As a historical story, I felt that Mrs. Chris Karlsen has done her homework. You'll get the feeling of Victorian society at its different levels. The many details seem correct, but you will not receive empty history lessons. Goods and bads are part of the story in the exact measures necessary to involve the reader and motivate or explain the characters' actions. (At the same time, I think, CK elegantly introduced a bit of criticism for some of the political correctness of our days when it appears that the rights of the victims are less important than the rights of the criminals.) And, whilst the morals and customs are well-acknowledged, the flutter of the women emancipation is present too and it... delicately... influences the story.
As the suspense, A Venomous Love brings the required anxiety and uncertainty and not only concerning the physical danger; they connect again the social and crime plans. The level of angst gradually and constantly increases as the author maintains the possibility of an undesired outcome (at least partially) until the last moment.
The "fun" moments are well used as they don't only complete the portraits of the characters but also stress what can be lost. Speaking about the characters I would say that the main role is shared. Smart, good professionals, attractive and potent the positive characters are lovable and delightful.
So, even the readers know from the beginning who is the "executive" culprit, A Venomous Love will be satisfying for many readers. Enjoy!
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/202...
A Venomous Love is described as a historical suspense and I could say that it also has some aspects of the police procedural. As a historical story, I felt that Mrs. Chris Karlsen has done her homework. You'll get the feeling of Victorian society at its different levels. The many details seem correct, but you will not receive empty history lessons. Goods and bads are part of the story in the exact measures necessary to involve the reader and motivate or explain the characters' actions. (At the same time, I think, CK elegantly introduced a bit of criticism for some of the political correctness of our days when it appears that the rights of the victims are less important than the rights of the criminals.) And, whilst the morals and customs are well-acknowledged, the flutter of the women emancipation is present too and it... delicately... influences the story.
As the suspense, A Venomous Love brings the required anxiety and uncertainty and not only concerning the physical danger; they connect again the social and crime plans. The level of angst gradually and constantly increases as the author maintains the possibility of an undesired outcome (at least partially) until the last moment.
The "fun" moments are well used as they don't only complete the portraits of the characters but also stress what can be lost. Speaking about the characters I would say that the main role is shared. Smart, good professionals, attractive and potent the positive characters are lovable and delightful.
So, even the readers know from the beginning who is the "executive" culprit, A Venomous Love will be satisfying for many readers. Enjoy!
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/202...
March 4, 2020
Oh how I love Chris Karlsen’s Detective Ruddy Bloodstone. He is such an honorable character with such a wonderful personality you can’t help but love him. Ms Karlsen never ceases to provide us with intrigue and laughter and leaves us wanting more. This story is no exception and the fact that these stories take place in England in the late 1800’s makes them that much more fascinating. Ruddy has quite a unique case to solve this time around as he searches for a robber using a snake as a weapon to intimidate his victims. Unfortunately things get far more complicated than just simple robbery. There are also some wonderful secondary characters throughout the story, including Ruddy’s brother Will. Though this is the third book of the series it is easily read as a stand-alone; however if you haven’t read the previous books in the series I would highly recommend them as they are both extremely worth the read, as is this one of course!
April 7, 2020
When I first started this book I thought it was going to be rather humdrum. It wasn’t.
Before the story was over I wanted to reach out and slap some sense into Honoria. Eventually, I decided I liked her after all.
Some surprises show up near the end. The killer’s identity wasn’t hidden, so that wasn’t one of the surprises.
I like Bloodstone and Holbrook. I look forward to more of their adventures. Thank you, Ms Karlsen.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
Before the story was over I wanted to reach out and slap some sense into Honoria. Eventually, I decided I liked her after all.
Some surprises show up near the end. The killer’s identity wasn’t hidden, so that wasn’t one of the surprises.
I like Bloodstone and Holbrook. I look forward to more of their adventures. Thank you, Ms Karlsen.
***Book provided without charge by PICT.***
May 28, 2020
very good.. action packed.. interesting... and kept me interested in what was going on. it was a fun story and well written. i enjoyed it a lot.
March 24, 2021
Once Bitten🐍💀
ADULT Victorian Romance💕 and Whodunit Mystery💀
London 1890
This is another case for the London detective, Rudyard Bloodstone🐺💪, and his partner, Archie.
A man👺 holds up a couple near a museum, using a deadly poisonous live South African Cobra🐍 as a weapon! Ruddy and Archie are put on the case..
Ruddy's older brother, Will, a lifer in the British Army, is discharged after being injured when a building collapsed on him. At loose ends, he comes to stay with Ruddy🐺💪. He needs a job, but what can he do except be a soldier?
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews 📚
This ebook was $5.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This was a most unusual and interesting whodunit novel, set in the romantic Victorian era. I was a bit disappointed that Ruddy🐺💪 didn't get as much time in the book as he did in " Snifter of Death💀". This book has quite a bit about his brother Will, in it. The ending was weird.
ADULT Victorian Romance💕 and Whodunit Mystery💀
London 1890
This is another case for the London detective, Rudyard Bloodstone🐺💪, and his partner, Archie.
A man👺 holds up a couple near a museum, using a deadly poisonous live South African Cobra🐍 as a weapon! Ruddy and Archie are put on the case..
Ruddy's older brother, Will, a lifer in the British Army, is discharged after being injured when a building collapsed on him. At loose ends, he comes to stay with Ruddy🐺💪. He needs a job, but what can he do except be a soldier?
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews 📚
This ebook was $5.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This was a most unusual and interesting whodunit novel, set in the romantic Victorian era. I was a bit disappointed that Ruddy🐺💪 didn't get as much time in the book as he did in " Snifter of Death💀". This book has quite a bit about his brother Will, in it. The ending was weird.
August 1, 2020
If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories, I would recommend that you give this series a try. The tale follows two detectives tasked with finding a robber using a deadly cobra as a weapon. When a man dies after encountering this robber, Arch and Ruddy, the two London detectives, are fighting the clock to find the fiend.
Honoria Underhill, the victim's daughter, seems to be a special target of the thief. But, who is behind these horrible attacks? "When enough money is concerned the best of people will wallow in a pig sty to make more."
I enjoyed the humor that the author added to the story, the fast pace of the investigation, and the character development. The working relationship between Ruddy and Arch was great, the friendship between Ruddy and Honeysuckle was unique, and the back stories of the recent wars in Africa also added a new dimension to the book.
I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. A good historical detective book is always a welcome read. The author made this tale unique by using a very unusual weapon and I enjoyed learning more about the African wars and cobras along the way.
I was given the chance to read and review this book by Candid Book Reviews and chose to review it.
Honoria Underhill, the victim's daughter, seems to be a special target of the thief. But, who is behind these horrible attacks? "When enough money is concerned the best of people will wallow in a pig sty to make more."
I enjoyed the humor that the author added to the story, the fast pace of the investigation, and the character development. The working relationship between Ruddy and Arch was great, the friendship between Ruddy and Honeysuckle was unique, and the back stories of the recent wars in Africa also added a new dimension to the book.
I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. A good historical detective book is always a welcome read. The author made this tale unique by using a very unusual weapon and I enjoyed learning more about the African wars and cobras along the way.
I was given the chance to read and review this book by Candid Book Reviews and chose to review it.
April 6, 2020
A Venomous Love is the third book in The Bloodstone series. I did not read the other two and that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this one. Detective Rudyard Bloodstone is a veteran and, after his time served, he is familiar with a Cape cobra snake. His venom is deadly and can killing a short period of time. There is also someone using a Cape cobra as his weapon when robbing. Ruddy and his partner are assigned to investigate but there are few clues. Then the robber escalates to murder and Ruddy knows he must be stopped as he is now focused on his victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill.
I enjoyed A Venomous Love starting with page one. The action is nonstop and although we know more than the detectives, that in no way lessens the tension as they race to safe Honoria and whoever else the man targets. In addition, we see how difficult a detective’s job can be as they must fight not only the upper class but internal politics as well. Well-written and very exciting, do not miss A Venomous Love, especially if you enjoy suspense, and police drama with an historical setting.
I enjoyed A Venomous Love starting with page one. The action is nonstop and although we know more than the detectives, that in no way lessens the tension as they race to safe Honoria and whoever else the man targets. In addition, we see how difficult a detective’s job can be as they must fight not only the upper class but internal politics as well. Well-written and very exciting, do not miss A Venomous Love, especially if you enjoy suspense, and police drama with an historical setting.
March 9, 2020
The killer's unique and terrifying modus operandi caught my attention straight away. Just one bite from the Cape cobra is lethal to it's victim so there are plenty of suspenseful moments in this story.
The author lets us know early on in who is behind the attacks and so much of the suspense is developed around the police's attempts to protect Ms. Underhill while we know the killer could take them by surprise and strike at any moment.
While the tension is building up there is a possible romance beginning and there are a few lighthearted and comedic moments as well.
I absolutely loved Honoria Underhill in this book and I really hope she appears again to cause mayhem for the men as the series progresses.
The author lets us know early on in who is behind the attacks and so much of the suspense is developed around the police's attempts to protect Ms. Underhill while we know the killer could take them by surprise and strike at any moment.
While the tension is building up there is a possible romance beginning and there are a few lighthearted and comedic moments as well.
I absolutely loved Honoria Underhill in this book and I really hope she appears again to cause mayhem for the men as the series progresses.
May 19, 2020
I found this to be an intriguing story. I enjoyed the close friendship and working relationship between Ruddy and Archie. They were very intelligent and trusted each other. The secondary characters like Will, Curry, and the other police added very much to the story. The chase to catch a robber/murderer who used a snake as a weapon was entertaining and kept me reading the story. There could have been a little less in the description of every person who entered the tale, but for the most part, this was a story worth reading.
I received a copy of this story through CBR Services, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through CBR Services, and this is my unsolicited review.
February 28, 2020
Chris did it again. She has taken Ruddy into an area of danger that may end up killing him but with his smarts and quick wit, he finds his killer and saves the day with the help of his partner, and brother. Chris kept me spellbound as she has with other books of hers I have read. I hope now that she has introduced Ruddy's brother she will start a series about Will Bloodstone and his partner in their private protection agency.
Thank you Chris for doing it again.
Thank you Chris for doing it again.
March 1, 2020
A Venomous Love is the third book in The Bloodstone Series and is an interesting historical crime thriller.
The characters are well developed, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and uses a unique murder weapon: a deadly Cape cobra. This story engaged my interest from start to finish.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
The characters are well developed, intelligent, and likable. The storyline is well written and uses a unique murder weapon: a deadly Cape cobra. This story engaged my interest from start to finish.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 27, 2020
The historical suspense story is set in April 1890, London. The new case for Detective Rudyard Bloodstone (also known as Ruddy) and partner Detective Archie Holbrook begins with the victims coming to the Holborn Station to report a robbery. Two (2) other officers that are sitting at nearby desks come closer to Ruddy, Archie, and the couple as they can’t imagine they have heard correctly that the robber used a most unusual robbery weapon of a snake.
”A Venomous Love” can be read as a stand-alone but those familiar with the series will appreciate the return of landlady Mrs. Goodge, and Ruddy’s brother Will. Without adding a spoiler, I really enjoyed Ruddy’s solution to help Will with temporary employment that also befits the case.
Background to review...
”A Venomous Love” can be read as a stand-alone but those familiar with the series will appreciate the return of landlady Mrs. Goodge, and Ruddy’s brother Will. Without adding a spoiler, I really enjoyed Ruddy’s solution to help Will with temporary employment that also befits the case.
Background to review...
I was asked by the author to read and review this novel as I had read the 2nd novel in The Bloodstone series and gave a tentative reply as I have always been afraid of snakes. This fear was exacerbated by an experience as an elementary school librarian. The 5th grader had no awareness of my fear of snakes nor would I have wanted her to know and she was merely trying to share her delight of the snake she had brought to school that day for a discussion in science. It was merely a harmless garter snake but I didn't know that at the moment of her showing it to me. I was working at a student table (sitting alone at a table for 6) processing new books so I was looking down as I worked and when I looked up as she started speaking to me the snake's tongue was going in and out of its mouth less than an inch from my face. Whew!My lower star rating is due to errors that could have easily been corrected by a copy editor(s) and are very distracting and frustrating to me as a reader and former copy editor. I was hopeful for improvement as the series continued but am sadly disappointed.
When I explained my tentative reply for a “read and review” the author shared that use of a snake as the weapon in this story is based on a real event. A number of years ago Chris and her husband had dinner with a Metropolitan Police officer that they know and told them about her vacation in Morocco. She was checking out of the hotel when a British couple came dashing in claiming they were robbed at snake-point.
September 17, 2020
Where I don't like reading books out of order. It seems like this one (book 3) can be read as a standalone... and on that note let's dive into the book.
Action, some detective work and a venomous snake killer on the loose in London late 1800's. If you love a good Sherlock Holmes novel. This one will have you on page one, once started. A murder and a threatened young lady of the upper crust is being stalked by him. Can Detective Bloodstone and his partner find the man responsible for this uproar before more harm is done. The clues are almost nill, but if the detectives look hard enough they might just find what they're looking for right under their noses.
Action, some detective work and a venomous snake killer on the loose in London late 1800's. If you love a good Sherlock Holmes novel. This one will have you on page one, once started. A murder and a threatened young lady of the upper crust is being stalked by him. Can Detective Bloodstone and his partner find the man responsible for this uproar before more harm is done. The clues are almost nill, but if the detectives look hard enough they might just find what they're looking for right under their noses.
August 28, 2020
Historical Thrillers are just on another level in my option. It takes a lot for an author to get the period down while also weaving a story with great suspense and thrills.
Chris Karlsen has nailed it!
Very well written, everything about this book just flowed for me. I loved the writing style as a whole.
Extremely interesting, whether it be the atmosphere and setting or the characters, she brings life to each and every one.
And in addition to all of that, there is never a dull moment. I loved the plot and the way it unraveled. A brilliant read.
Chris Karlsen has nailed it!
Very well written, everything about this book just flowed for me. I loved the writing style as a whole.
Extremely interesting, whether it be the atmosphere and setting or the characters, she brings life to each and every one.
And in addition to all of that, there is never a dull moment. I loved the plot and the way it unraveled. A brilliant read.
August 7, 2020
This story didn't start off slow and it continued to pick up even if it was a bit convoluted at times.
The writing was smart and witty at times, which gave it another element.
Around the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. I loved the unpredictability, the mystery, the history, and everything in between.
The writing was smart and witty at times, which gave it another element.
Around the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. I loved the unpredictability, the mystery, the history, and everything in between.
December 7, 2020
I've read a lot of books ... a lot. A big chunk of those was mystery/crime/thriller - my favorite genre. So for me A Venomous Love was something quite new and I was looking forward to reading the book. It's not the police and crime-solving as I'm used to reading, it is different, it is ... classical. Don't think Sherlock Holmes, but more like ... nope, can't really compare it to anything I've gotten my hands on recently! It is just one of a kind.
Chris Karlsen takes us on a journey through the streets of Victorian-era London, following Detective Rudyard Bloodstone in his search of a thief, a murderer with a strange and exotic weapon - a Cape cobra.
I won't summarize the book, the book's description is more than capable of capturing your full attention, while giving you just a little bit of something, just a taste.
You will not find any high-tech gadgets or CSI technicians, but the old-fashioned, old school detective work that used to be the only weapon in the arsenal of Victorian-era policemen. But what it lacks in modern-day nick nacks it makes up in pure, 100% authentic police work (and a healthy dose of luck, of course).
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
Chris Karlsen takes us on a journey through the streets of Victorian-era London, following Detective Rudyard Bloodstone in his search of a thief, a murderer with a strange and exotic weapon - a Cape cobra.
I won't summarize the book, the book's description is more than capable of capturing your full attention, while giving you just a little bit of something, just a taste.
You will not find any high-tech gadgets or CSI technicians, but the old-fashioned, old school detective work that used to be the only weapon in the arsenal of Victorian-era policemen. But what it lacks in modern-day nick nacks it makes up in pure, 100% authentic police work (and a healthy dose of luck, of course).
Christian
BooksShelf Reviewer
March 6, 2020
This is the second book I have read in this series. I started with book two. So, you can say that I literally jumped right into this series. Detective Bloodstone is an engaging person. The way he thinks and works to solve a case is nice.
To be honest, I don't quite remember Detective Bloodstone's partner, Detective Holbrook in the prior novel. If he was in the story, I guess he did not make an strong impression on me. I say this because this time around I did notice the dynamics between the two Detectives. It was nice. They worked well together.
The story itself was fine. There was intrigue. The time period as rich in the fact that I was transported back in time. Yet, in regards to the suspense; I can honestly say that I did figure out who was behind the attacks and their motives before the reveal. However, this is still a book that mystery fans including cozy mystery readers alike would enjoy.
To be honest, I don't quite remember Detective Bloodstone's partner, Detective Holbrook in the prior novel. If he was in the story, I guess he did not make an strong impression on me. I say this because this time around I did notice the dynamics between the two Detectives. It was nice. They worked well together.
The story itself was fine. There was intrigue. The time period as rich in the fact that I was transported back in time. Yet, in regards to the suspense; I can honestly say that I did figure out who was behind the attacks and their motives before the reveal. However, this is still a book that mystery fans including cozy mystery readers alike would enjoy.
April 1, 2020
I was given the privilege of reading this book for a honest review by the author.
I have read one of her other series and enjoyed it and her way of writing. So this is the first of this series for me to read. This book can be read as a stand alone.
The book is a historical suspense that takes place in England in the 1800's. I loved the characters which are well developed and like able.
There is a lot of suspense which will pull you into the story. I did love the use of an unusual weapon in this story. The weapon is not one we would find in England. It is cape cobra which is only found in India. We are given a look into how limited things where for the police back then to work with.
I enjoyed this book a lot and will read others to this series.
Thank you to Chris Karlsen for giving me the privilege to read this.
I have read one of her other series and enjoyed it and her way of writing. So this is the first of this series for me to read. This book can be read as a stand alone.
The book is a historical suspense that takes place in England in the 1800's. I loved the characters which are well developed and like able.
There is a lot of suspense which will pull you into the story. I did love the use of an unusual weapon in this story. The weapon is not one we would find in England. It is cape cobra which is only found in India. We are given a look into how limited things where for the police back then to work with.
I enjoyed this book a lot and will read others to this series.
Thank you to Chris Karlsen for giving me the privilege to read this.
April 14, 2020
I liked this mystery set in the Victorian era London. Ruddy, the detective assigned to solve the case, is a feisty fellow. I liked his character. He speaks his mind and doesn't let people of the upper classes intimidate him. And there is definitely class distinction during this time. That was well portrayed in the novel and showed how hard it was for detectives to do their job. The weapon used was very unusual and made the case harder to solve too.
I am not usually a fan of historical mysteries but I did enjoy this one. The characters were engaging and the plot kept my interest. Karlsen painted a good picture of the difficulties of detecting in the era. I'll be looking for more in this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I am not usually a fan of historical mysteries but I did enjoy this one. The characters were engaging and the plot kept my interest. Karlsen painted a good picture of the difficulties of detecting in the era. I'll be looking for more in this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 10, 2020
Detective Rudyard has a case that has come to where he is just like where he came from it would seem. Things do escalate in this that come fast keeping us tuned into this. Whom he targets the killer that is gets Rudyard and his partner on their toes. Then it also is so in the eye of everyone time is running out for them if they do not want those same toes stepped on by Scotland Yard. You are transfixed with wanting to know everything. Since I did read the one before this one I did not want to miss this one and glad I did not. Kept me going in this suspense occupied when it was much needed.
April 23, 2020
This was an interesting read. I would give it a higher rating except for the fact that it took me a while to get into. Once I did though it was good. I have not read this author before but I would read another book by this author. The characters were alright but not fully memorable for me. The plot moved along at a nice pace once it got going. I think other people would enjoy it more than I did.
April 11, 2022
This was a dark story of the dynamics of family and a murderer who uses a snake as a weapon to kill and rob. The plot twists were intriguing and complicated. The characters are strong and complicated. The ending was unexpected. I would like to follow the other characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2020
I liked the era in which the book was written. There was a lot of details. The way the crimes were committed was new and was great to read how it went about. It could have used a little more action I guess for me that is. I had to put it down and come back to it. I would have liked to see a wee glimpse of Ruddy and Honeysuckle in the near future.
August 2, 2020
Detectives have to find a clever thief and his snake. The robberies turn to murder and one victim is being stalked. This book presents a taste of Victorian society along with suspense. The characters are an interesting mix of the different classes and how they are treated.
August 31, 2020
This book had me literally turning pages as fast as I could wanting to see what would happen next. Although I had some idea of the possibilities, it did not take away from my enjoyment of this thrilling book. I think that the setting and imagery was superb as well.
September 14, 2020
Wow, I loved this and I had the hardest time putting it down.
This suspense was so well executed. That combined with the attention to detail as far as the history went made this an excellent read.
Solid storytelling and imagination from Karlen.
This suspense was so well executed. That combined with the attention to detail as far as the history went made this an excellent read.
Solid storytelling and imagination from Karlen.
May 3, 2020
So not recommended. I wasted my time on this
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