A FREDDIE AND GRACE MYSTERY #5
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Somebody catch that blasted cat!"
"If Grace had thought turning Havensbrooke into a convalescent hospital in Frederick's absence a good idea, this moment may have caused her to question herself." Without her beloved Lord Astley by her side the responsibilities of caring for wounded soldiers, overseeing the medical staff, running a large household, praying constantly for the well-being of her husband, and chasing a runaway cat, Grace was veering far beyond her comfort zone and surely didn't need anything to go wrong. Like for instance, expensive estate items disappearing and a very curious break-in where nothing of value seemed to have been taken.
When their dear friend Stephen Blake shows up among the wounded, Grace immediately treats him as a guest rather than a patient. Curiously enough, the odd occurances around the estate seem to multiply following his arrival, prompting Grace's imagination and determination to work overtime, after all what was life without a good mystery? And wouldn't you know, she was exactly right!
Populated with multiple favorite characters and then some, this entertaining romantic mystery boasts spy networks, forced proximity (closets, of course!) a very capable butler, and a little girl who knows so much, along with surprises of a very personal nature and hard fought faith battles.
A joy to read and difficult to put down!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I also purchased a copy of this book. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Grace had just added a second mystery to her list. And this one involved a charming spy, a suspicious maid, and secrets that were practically begging to be uncovered. Why enjoy only one mystery when she could have two? How absolutely delightful.”
There is a mystery afoot at Hevensbrooke and maybe more than one. That is what Grace and cousin Stephen Blake aim to discover. After surviving the sinking of the Lusitania, Stephen arrives at Havensbrooke in search of a traitor known as Midnight Angel. But she could be one of several women serving at the mansion turned convalescent hospital, including Evie Montgomery, Stephen’s former colleague, who is disguised as a maid. “Mission: loving Evie Montgomery til death do us part. Which given his line of work, was always unpredictable.”
The Bachelor Spy has all the things I love in a Freddie and Grace mystery: spies who are stealthy, hidden tunnels, swoony romance (look for that closet kiss) and the solid faith of the main characters undergirding it all. Along with clever banter and the quick quirky mind that is signature Grace, daughter Zahra returns, this time with an unruly cat and faithful Brandon the butler. One thing is sure, even with her tender heart, Grace is a force to be reckoned with.
This book was a joy to read. I am so sorry to see these characters go, I will miss them. Maybe I will start the series over again!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Review Crew and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins
Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.
Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.
Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?
