William Morrow
Paperback & eBook; 416 pages
Genre: Historical Mystery/Victorian
Synopsis
From the author of A Dangerous Duet comes the next book in her Victorian mystery series, this time following a daring female painter and the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating her brother’s suspicious death.
A young painter digs beneath the veneer of Victorian London’s art world to learn the truth behind her brother’s murder...
Edwin is dead. That’s what Inspector Matthew Hallam of Scotland Yard tells Annabel Rowe when she discovers him searching her brother’s flat for clues. While the news is shocking, Annabel can’t say it’s wholly unexpected, given Edwin’s past as a dissolute risk-taker and art forger, although he swore he’d reformed. After years spent blaming his reckless behavior for their parents’ deaths, Annabel is now faced with the question of who murdered him—because Edwin’s death was both violent and deliberate. A valuable French painting he’d been restoring for an auction house is missing from his studio: find the painting, find the murderer. But the owner of the artwork claims it was destroyed in a warehouse fire years ago.
As a painter at the prestigious Slade School of Art and as Edwin’s closest relative, Annabel makes the case that she is crucial to Matthew’s investigation. But in their search for the painting, Matthew and Annabel trace a path of deceit and viciousness that reaches far beyond the elegant rooms of the auction house, into an underworld of politics, corruption, and secrets someone will kill to keep.
My Thoughts
When Annabel Rowe discovers two men in her brother's flat, she doesn't expect them to be from Scotland Yard or to tell her that Edwin is dead, murdered. Annabel is devastated by his death, but not surprised knowing how he previously lived his life.
After Annabel learns that a valuable painting entrusted to Edwin for restoration has gone missing from his flat, the motive for his murder seems apparent. Convinced that her knowledge of art would be an asset, she approaches Inspector Matthew Hallam with the proposal that she assist in the investigation. He immediately sees the merit in her offer and agrees, with the proviso that her involvement be kept secret.
Together they follow multiple leads that take them to art galleries, auction houses and art collectors, and also into Edwin's sad past. Along the way, Annabel gives Matthew lessons in art appreciation and he reciprocates by sharing his knowledge of human behavior.
I love a mystery that keeps me guessing and A Trace of Deceit did just that. There were so many possible suspects. I also enjoyed how Annabel and Matthew worked so well together. Some of the information uncovered was especially painful for Annabel and while Matthew would have protected her from it, he respected her desire to know the truth. Likewise, she didn't argue when at times Matthew decided it would be too dangerous or inappropriate for her to accompany him. Annabel was the perfect heroine: clever, caring and sensible. Matthew I liked when he was first introduced in A Dangerous Duet and was so pleased that this time there was some romance in his life.
In the first book of the series, Karen Odden took us into the Victorian world of music and music halls. This time, it is the art world that forms the backdrop to another exciting Victorian mystery and my favourite of the series so far. I wonder where the next book will take us.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Review at Books and Backroads
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Tuesday, September 8
Feature at I'm All About Books
Wednesday, September 9
Review at Hallie Reads
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Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
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Review at Pursuing Stacie
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Tuesday, September 29
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Wednesday, September 30
Review at Probably at the Library
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Thursday, October 1
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective
Friday, October 2
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Giveaway (US Only)
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away one paperback copy of A Trace of Deceit! To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE.
The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 2nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Thanks for the lovely review! Yes, I try really hard to make sure my mysteries aren't predictable but grounded in characters. I'm glad you felt it kept you guessing!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly did! Who the murderer turned out to be and his reasons were a surprise.
DeleteI am loving this one too! Thank you so much for your great review!
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
This is definitely one I'll read again even though I know the outcome. It was so good. Thanks, Amy.
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