eyes.2c Reviews

The Ruffler's Child  (Thomas the Falconer  Mysteries #1) by John Pilkington           ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is the first in The Falconer mystery series set in turbulent Elizabethan times. A body in the forest, and a bear set the scene.  Thomas and his falcons a highlight. Sent to London to buy some special gyrfalcons along with Lady Margaret who is attending her dead brother’s affairs, Thomas uncovers threats against his mistress. He nearly loses his life as he tries to solve Margaret’s problems. The two grow closer for one night, but they are mistress and servant. That is all they can be. I loved the explanation of the various stratas of society. The masterless folks—the Vagrom, the Abahrams, the people at the market, the beggars, those at court—all very colorful and enlivening. Sexual tensions undergirding the relationship between Lady Margaret and Thomas add an extra oomph to the storyline. I’m so ready to read others in this series. A Boldwood Book...

A Whisper of Secrecy (Raven & Wren #5) by Darcy Burke   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Twists and turns await in the latest episode of this very readable Victorian mystery  series. The brutal murder of a former detective of the Metropolitan Police in the same manner as her father, albeit ten years ago, focuses Tilda’s attention once again on his demise. Particularly as Padgett had her father’s name on a slip of parchment in his pocket. Tilda’s investigative partner Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenwood, makes it his business to have her father’s car reopened. Currently Tilda’s inquiring into the theft of some valuable silverware which includes a tureen and a salver. Both pieces feature intricate stags designs. Shockingly, the mother who'd deserted Tilda and her grandmother and left them destitute has swanned back into their lives! What! Then of course there’s Hadrian. Tilda is scared of her feelings for him, made even more fanciful with her mother’s blatant match making attempts. As the two inve...