Last Rituals

Last Rituals: An Icelandic Novel of Secret Symbols, Medieval Witchcraft, and Modern Murder by Yrsa Sigurdardottir (2007)

Description: After the body of a young German student - with his eyes cut out and strange symbols carved into his chest - is discovered at a university in Reykjavik, the police waste no time in making an arrest. The victim's family isn't convinced they have the right man, however, so they ask Thora Gudmundsdottir, attorney and single mother of two, to investigate. The fee is considerable - more than enough to make things a bit easier for the struggling lawyer and her children.

Its not long before Thora and Matthew Reich, her new associate, discover something unusual about the deceased student: He had been obsessed with the country's grisly history of torture, execution, and witch hunt - a topic made all the more peculiar by the fact that unlike witch hunts in other countries, those in Iceland had targeted men.. not women.

As Thora and Matthew dig deeper, they make the connections between long-bygone customs and the student's murder. But the shadow of dark traditions an conceals secrets in both the past and the present, and the investigators soon realize that nothing is as it seems... and that no one can be trusted.

Review: This is an English translation of a first novel by Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurdardottir. A most interesting mystery that involves secret soticeties, symbols, witchcraft, and family secrets. If you are a fan of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code you will most definitely be interested in this new author. Sigurdardottir makes characters who we care about and a most interesting mystery that one cannot guess right away. I am most interested to see where she goes with her next installment in this series.

Score: 4 out of 5

I Thee Wed

I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick (1999)

Description: It isn't easy making a living as a lady's companion when one possesses a sharp tongue and an original mind. That's how Emma Greyson has gone through three such positions in six months. but penning her own reference and hiding her spirited nature behind a pair of spectacles won't keep her out of trouble for long.

Her latest post requires her presence at a tiresome country house party, where the cream of London society has assembled, and where it's downright impossible to avoid the advances of lecherous gentlemen. On one particular night, Emma has no choice but to duck inside a wardrobe to hide. Shockingly, the space is already occupied - by none other than the legendary Edison Stokes!

Stokes may rule his business empire with a steely hand, but he doesn't have the heart to deny the desperate request of an old friend. That plea has sent him on the trail of an anonymous thief who has stolen an ancient book of arcane potions. He suspects his quarry is among the party's guests - and he knows the villain is on the lookout for a highly intuitive woman on whom to test a certain elixir. A woman like Emma.

Aware that she's in danger, Edison resolves to keep an eye oh her by employing her as his "assistant." But he soon discovers what several previous employers have learned the hard way. Hiring Emma is one thing, getting her to follow orders is quite another!

For Emma, the new post brings exciting challenges, including unexpected passion, and chilling danger. But when murder strikes, she realizes the awful truth. unless she and Edison devise a scheme to outwit the merciless killer, she could forever lose the man of her dreams - and ever her very life...

Review: Another interesting read from Quick. I discovered after reading this novel that it was actually should be read before Lie by Midnight. I think I liked this one even more than Midnight. I enjoyed the secret society and other historical aspects. As usual, Quick has great wit and a good mystery. A most definite fun read.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

The Paid Companion

The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick (2004)

Description: The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical - he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fiancee will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The easiest solution is to hire a paid companion. After all, the sorry women who must accept such employment are sure to be grateful for any favor.

However, finding the right candidate proves more of a challenge than he expected - until he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge. Her dowdy attire and pinned-up hair cannot hide her fine figure and the fire in her golden eyes. And her unfortunate circumstances, and dreams of a life of independence, make the Earl's generous offer undeniable appealing.

But Elenora is unsure what this masquerade might entail. For St. Merryn is clearly hiding a secret or two, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy Rain Street home. She is soon to discover that his secrets are even darker than his decor, and that this lark will be a far more dangerous adventure than she's been led to believe. And Arthur, Earl of St. Merry, is making a discovery as well: that the meek and mild companion he'd initially envisioned has become, in reality, a partner in his quest to catch a killer - and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a wild passion in his practical heart.

Review: Another fun read from Quick. I really enjoyed the mystery aspects as well as the romance. If you are looking for a fun, easy read, this is a best bet.

Score: 3 out of 5

Lie By Moonlight

Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick (2005)

Description: Hired to tutor four orphaned girls at remote, ramshackle Aldwick Castle, Miss Concordia Glade is pleased to find her pupils both eager and bright. Indeed, they are bright enough to have noticed some oddities about their situation Provided for by an unseen benefactor, they are surrounded at all times by hard-eyed guards in the guise of gardeners - and their previous tutor, she learns, disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Stepping into this uncertain atmosphere, Concordia sees at once what must be done. The plan is daring in scope and execution, but with the help of her four students, the great escape stands a good chance of success. Of course, even the best-laid plans can go awry... and even the most independent, strong-minded lady must occasionally accept an offer of help.

During an investigation into a woman's death, private inquiry agent Ambrose Wells finds himself on the castle grounds - and in the middle of chaos. The building is in flames,. People are dead. And a woman and four girls are feeling on horseback. A confirmed loner, Ambrose nevertheless finds himself taking Concordia and her students under his wing. His past has made them eminently suitable to protect them from the person behind the events at Aldwick Castle: a notorious London crime lord who will stop ant nothing to destroy those who know his secrets.

Review: An engaging story about a quick-witted governess and a man of mystery. There is also a fairly decent mystery to go along with the romance. I found it really an interesting read filled with much humor.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

To Scotland, With Love

To Scotland, With Love by Karen Hawkins (2007)

Description: When Lord Gregor MacLean learns his childhood friene, Venetia Oglivie, has been abducted by a fortune hunter, he rides off to Scotland in hot-and very annoyed-pursuit. Venetia's soft heart has gotten her in major trouble this time: if he doesn't rescue her swiftly, the scandal will ostracize the provocative wench!

The only sensible member of her family, Venetia is sure she can fix any problem, even this one. So when an irate Gregor catches up with her, arrogantly expecting a hero's welcome, the sparks between them begin to fly. Then an unexpected snowstorm traps them at an inn, and Gregor discovers his feelings for the lovely Venetia are far warmer than he realized - fiery enough to burn down the inn! Now if he can only convince Venetia that his motive her marriage isn't duty... but desire.

Review: This was most definitely a quick, enjoyable read. Although the title seems to imply that part of the story would take place in Scotland, that is actually hard to determine. About the only thing that would give any relation to Scotland away are the blatantly obvious names of the male characters. Overall, I enjoyed the read, but do not pick it up if you are looking for anything that resembles a plot. If you seriously have nothing better to do, I would pick it up, otherwise you might want to pass this one up.

Score 2.5 out of 5