April Taylor

This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.

Many thanks to Publishing Push for this review copy!

The world of murder mysteries can get a bit weary as the same-old continues. Not so in this unique story! The backdrop of choir singers makes it a fun and educational read.

The plot seems simple enough – a drama loving diva is murdered immediately after giving the best performance of her life. Almost everyone surrounding her has a motive, making the case rather difficult for the local police. Our heroine, Georgia Pattison, is willing to help out any way she can, like an operatic Nancy Drew. That is where the fun begins! Many characters provide red herrings galore, while the author gets to show off her considerable knowledge of choir singers and music. Georgia is no shrinking violet, and takes to her role like a duck to water (soprano to a solo?).

The descriptions of Worcester cathedral and musical terms force you to slow down and truly enjoy the writing. The author is keen to display the surroundings, along with Georgia’s inner monologues in a thoroughly enjoyable way. Definitely not the same-old here!

Best of all, Georgia is not one to hold back, either in word or deed. She plunges into the fray wholeheartedly, disregarding any danger she may encounter along the way. Other gifts for the reader are the many composers and songs noted as the book progresses. There are links provided in the e-book (quite thoughtful) so the reader can listen and learn to the songs mentioned. I thought this was an impressive way to make the experience multi-dimensional; as you listen to the music the story comes alive.

Brava! to the author for giving us a great start to this brand new series.
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Book 3 in the Tudor Enigma, the alternate history mystery where Anne Boleyn kept her head by providing Henry VIII the male heir he was so desperately craved, and the magic and mysticism believed in the period is a fact.

Henry IX is on the throne and his consort Madeleine has provided the much needed male heir. All is right in the world... except that during her coronation their child is abducted. Who would have England brought to its knees? Are the catholic kingdoms of mainland Europe conspiring its downfall, or is the threat coming from much closer to home?

As the powerful families of England jockey for position in the royal court, Luke Ballard, the Outer Green apothecary of Hampton Court palace, secret Elemancer and even more secret Privy Inquirer to His Majesty, finds his usual quick wits deserting him. His mentor, the Elemagus Dufay, seems stricken in heart and mind for the love of the one he holds dear. Is Luke suffering the same when the beautiful Blanche shows her feelings for him? And what of the stalwart Gwenette, whose love for him is unrequitted?

This novel in the series concentrates very much on the interplay of relationships - of love, of duty, of kin, of friendship – opening a deeper understanding of what makes Luke tick while reflecting the same motivations within the wider royal circle and bringing in names and people from history. It’s fast-paced with plenty of red herrings and is highly readable.… (more)

“There are shadows in all our lives…” starts the intro. But this doesn’t say the half of it. Collections of short fiction are great to fill in the odd half hour – pick up, put down – and that’s what I expected to be doing. I’ve just spent the day reading the lot.

The cover doesn’t do the genre justice. There’s obsession and breakdown and lots and lots of deaths. Don’t expect gore; do expect the creeping sinister. This is no author relating events in a detached manner. In each story April Taylor gets into the mindsets of her characters, each viewpoint character taking the reader by the hand to lead a twisting route to endings that are sometimes satisfying, often unexpected and mostly chilling. Enjoy.
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