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Death in a Gilded Frame
Set against the opulent backdrop of late 19th century America, specifically in Newport, a summer haven for New York’s aristocracy, this historical mystery fiction intriguingly intertwines the lives of an elite couple, Roddy and Val, with a heinous crime. As they consider commissioning a portrait from a newly arrived artist, they become embroiled in the brutal murder of an art gallery manager, setting off a whirlwind of gossip and societal scorn among their peers. The narrative propels Val and her husband into a quest to unearth the true culprit, thereby extricating themselves from the web of public accusation and disdain.
As part of a series, this standalone installment presents some challenges in character development. Val, portrayed as a defiant woman from the West, grapples with her identity in high society and as a wife, exhibiting a perplexing blend of resistance and compliance. This is particularly evident in her acquiescence to sit for a portrait, despite her reservations about the artist and personal discomfort, ostensibly to appease her husband. Her character’s internal turmoil in response to public slander seems at odds with her otherwise resilient persona, driving the narrative with an undercurrent of seeking redemption.
The author skillfully immerses readers in the Gilded Age setting, a delight for enthusiasts of this historical era, with detailed depictions of luxurious lifestyles and intricate societal dynamics. While this richly woven backdrop may be particularly resonant for some, it provides a lush context for the story’s unfolding. The narrative, intriguingly dotted with hints of potential threats and regrets, invites readers to engage deeply, even though some aspects may seem less explored, contributing to a resolution that encourages reflection and imagination. The core mystery remains engaging, with the amateur sleuthing efforts of the couple culminating in a solution that leaves room for reader interpretation.
This historical mystery offers a vibrant journey into America’s Gilded Age, blending a suspenseful plot with a vivid portrayal of societal norms and extravagances. Death in a Gilded Frame by Cecelia Tichi stands as a compelling read for those drawn to historical settings and intricate plots, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the complexities of high society and the intrigue of an unsolved crime.
Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0CM1K2HY2
The Beggar Queen
![The Beggar Queen by [Kelly Evans]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rIaFup8oL._SY346_.jpg)
The Beggar Queen by Kelly Evans is an epic rags to riches tale based on historical events. It follows the journey of historical figure, Bathilde, who was captured in 7th century England and sold as a slave to the most powerful mayor in the region known nowadays as France. Throughout the book we accompany Bathilde’s life from the terrible events of her teenage years through her ascension as queen and later retirement to a religious life. Although there are many intriguing characters throughout the story, the majority of which are also historical figures, the main focus is set on Bathilde and her development as a person.
This an enchanting but dark historical fiction story. The narrative wastes no time setting up the protagonist’s life before enslavement, instead opting for a frantic pace where we are thrown into the action right from the start. This is an emotionally heavy book from the start and instills various emotions on the reader but also serves to show Bathilde’s strength. As she quickly adapts to her new life, we see her develop some of her most important friendships, all the while showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness to the world.
The first part of the book, though smaller in scale, is well developed, as every situation moves the plot forward and is emotionally resonant. On its second part the story takes an interesting turn and then dives into kingdom politics. While the story focuses on political affairs the protagonist becomes somewhat removed from the narrative and we get a chance to see the characters at the eye of the storm.
The Beggar Queen is an riveting historical mystery that is engaging and well written. The dialogue has a beautiful flow and feels authentic and captures the time period well. The Beggar Queen is an amazing story that ratchets up the drama for a perfectly entertaining read.
Pages: 354 | ASIN: B09BNRVZZM
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