Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
If lovers of historical mysteries haven't read one of Allison Montclair's Sparks & Bainbridge mysteries, they really need to do something about it. This series puts readers right in post-World War II London and serves up one strong mystery after another as well as two of the best characters in crime fiction. Setting, mystery, character? You know you can't resist!
I have to admit that, if I'd paid more attention, whodunit would not have been a huge surprise here, but I was distracted. As in all the other books, the main reason why I love this series is the two main characters. In Murder at the White Palace, Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge continue to grow and change as a result of the life experiences they share.
Due to that pesky Official Secrets Act, we may never know exactly what Iris Sparks did during the war, but she's only just realizing the profound effect it has had on her. Her service during the war has changed her view of the world and the people in it, and she's just beginning to realize that she may need to change, too.
On the other hand, Gwen Bainbridge has had a very traumatic, emotionally charged time of it. When her husband was killed in the war, Gwen had a complete breakdown and was hospitalized. Her husband's aristocratic family took complete control of her life as well as that of her small son. It's been an uphill battle, but Gwen has finally gained her independence, and it's a thrill to see her beginning to spread her wings and fly.
As you can see, I'm more wrapped up in the lives of the characters than I am in the mystery, but the mystery is good, too. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this is a marvelous series that you really need to read. Due to the character development, it's best to start at the beginning with The Right Sort of Man. I know you'll fall under the spell of Iris and Gwen, just like I did.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
I have to admit that, if I'd paid more attention, whodunit would not have been a huge surprise here, but I was distracted. As in all the other books, the main reason why I love this series is the two main characters. In Murder at the White Palace, Iris Sparks and Gwen Bainbridge continue to grow and change as a result of the life experiences they share.
Due to that pesky Official Secrets Act, we may never know exactly what Iris Sparks did during the war, but she's only just realizing the profound effect it has had on her. Her service during the war has changed her view of the world and the people in it, and she's just beginning to realize that she may need to change, too.
On the other hand, Gwen Bainbridge has had a very traumatic, emotionally charged time of it. When her husband was killed in the war, Gwen had a complete breakdown and was hospitalized. Her husband's aristocratic family took complete control of her life as well as that of her small son. It's been an uphill battle, but Gwen has finally gained her independence, and it's a thrill to see her beginning to spread her wings and fly.
As you can see, I'm more wrapped up in the lives of the characters than I am in the mystery, but the mystery is good, too. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this is a marvelous series that you really need to read. Due to the character development, it's best to start at the beginning with The Right Sort of Man. I know you'll fall under the spell of Iris and Gwen, just like I did.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
